Souths back with a bang

Adam Muir leads the Rabbitohs out against the Dragons

South Sydney Rabbitohs marked their return to rugby league with a thrilling 20-20 draw in their Charity Shield trial game against St George Illawarra.

But it could so nearly have been a win had winger Scott McLean landed a touchline conversion in the final minute.

Saturday's match was the first for the Souths following their controversial axing from the National Rugby League in October 1999.

Willed on by a 36,000 crowd, they trailed until McLean crossed with two minutes remaining.

Souths captain Adam Muir said: "It was very hard with so much build-up.

Jason Death tries to burst through the Dragons' defence

"I can't thank the supporters enough - they're the real reason we're back. It was the first game, the boys played well and we can improve tenfold from this."

Both sides scored four ties, the first two going to St George courtesy of Brent Kite and Lee Hookey.

Andrew King reduced the deficit before the break only for Lance Thompson to make it 16-6 in the Dragons' favour.

Nathan Blacklock cancelled out Brent Grose's try for Souths, but then two four-pointers from Wade McKinnon and McLean ensured the game finished level.

South Sydney, Australian rugby league's most successful and oldest club, won its 18-month legal battle with media mogul Rupert Murdoch last July.

A federal court ruled the 94-year-old inner-city club should not have been kicked out of the National Rugby League, which is backed by money from Murdoch's News Ltd.