As others have stated, the struggling financial situation has nothing to do with the JV and everything to do with the dinosaurs running the club as if were a relic of the 70's.
In response to the whole JV debate, I'll share my story and my 2 cents.
I have been a St. George lad from day dot, thanks to the indoctrination of that wonderful fatherly institution of footy fanaticism
The very first game of first grade I saw as a 5 year old was the 1992 challenge cup at Dubbo between the mighty red and white steelers Vs the scum Bronco's. From that day on It was inevitable that the Steelers would be my second favorite side.
Fast forward to the end of that very same season, It was my 1st visit to the big smoke, and my father surprised me by taking me to a semi between the Steelers and Dragons as an early B'day present (Steelers won from memory).
I was in awe by all the people covered in red and white, the children getting their faces painted red and white at the front of the stadium and the smells of game day chips, pies and chiko rolls
The noise and atmosphere were incredible, I don't remember much of the game itself, except a marching band wearing Red and the fact that my dad was bummed with the result. I wasn't, as my second team winning was almost as good as St. George winning
To a kid who grew up loving both clubs, the marriage was a dream come true! I was over the moon that UNITED together that marriage bore the fruit of a premiership in 2010 (I remember feeling bullet proof for weeks after that
As far as I'm concerned I love the JV and long may it last! United we stand, divided we fall. Up the mighty
St. George Illawarra Dragons!