A record winning streak and a nostalgic return to Sunday afternoon football have St George Illawarra officials hopeful of a big crowd at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
While this Dragons squad has matched the record winning streak of the club's star-studded 2005 side, crowds so far this season have failed to live up to expectations in Wollongong.
In 2005, when the side marched to within a game of the grand final, crowds at WIN Stadium averaged 15,074 fans per game.
The three Dragons games played at WIN so far this year have averaged just 11,197 spectators - including an underwhelming 11,432 people for Wendell Sailor's comeback match against the Broncos.
Club chief executive Peter Doust admitted he had been disappointed with the response of fans so far this season, particularly for the game against Brisbane.
But he was positive this Sunday would get a better response, pointing to the recent trend of big crowds at suburban grounds for Sunday afternoon games.
"There has been much discussion of Sunday afternoon football and what it brings as an event to the community," Doust said.
"The fans will get the chance to experience the atmosphere of the day.
"This is their chance to get out and show their support."
Club director and former Steelers boss Bob Millward agreed that a traditional "Sunday afternoon at the footy" was an incentive for fans to get to the game.
"It's a great ground to watch football and people seem to enjoy Sunday afternoon rugby league.
"It's a two-o-clock kick-off on Sunday and we're hopeful of a big crowd and we've tried to encourage a lot of people to come with some added celebrations."
As part of the heritage theme of the day, the club will celebrate the achievements of the 1946 Southern Division team that played in the first international match held in Wollongong.
The four surviving members of the side that defeated Great Britain 15-12 will be presented to the crowd.
With the Dragons in fifth position and in red-hot form, officials hope the team can crack into the top four so the club can host a home semi-final at WIN Stadium.
A total of 19,608 fans crammed into the stadium for the finals match against Cronulla in 2005, but Millward said a big turn-out was required on Sunday if they were to again host a semi-final.
"Getting into the top four and the first week of the semis is a possibility.
"We managed that in 2005 and got a massive crowd at the ground," Millward said.
"Let's hope we qualify (for a home semi-final) but we need a good crowd on Sunday to justify bringing the game here."
Star centre Matt Cooper, who is returning from injury, added his weight to the call to fans.
"I've only played at WIN Stadium once this year and it's my favourite place to play," Cooper said.
"Hopefully we get a good crowd down there on Sunday.
"I'm pretty sure we will.
"There hasn't been much footy there for a while so I'm looking forward to a big crowd there on Sunday."
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