They would allocate between four and six games at a potentially upgraded North Sydney Oval. Theres thousands and thousands of Bears fans out there and bringing them all together would make a big statement, Mullan said. Its from that place. But Fittler believes the perfect destination is at their feet, if Manly agree. Bulletin Latest Headlines direct to your inbox, LeagueUnlimited | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer. And you'd only need one in 20 of these people to buy a jumper, go to a game, whack a sticker on the back of their Pajero and boom, they've brought back the North Sydney Bears. [41][42], Bears fan Alan McLoughlin, a Central Coast resident, set up a Facebook petition to bring the Bears to Gosford. The North Sydney Bears would be back and there would be, give us your best Rabbits Warren, deadset jubilation. When Souths were kicked out, mates of mine followed Randwick. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Theres still people holding a candle for the Newtown Jets, though not enough that the Jets arent destined to forever be a reserve grade feeder out of Henson Park. People can also support a team though theyve never set foot in their zone. Big question would be do you brand the new merged club as one, both or neither of the two co-owners? There are plans to again be part of the NRL in coming years as the Central Coast Bears. I wonder if he realises that a twelve team co p survival of the fittest would almost certainly see Newcastle gone? And youd only need one in 20 of these people to buy a jumper, go to a game, whack a sticker on the back of their Pajero and boom, theyve brought back the North Sydney Bears. And they dont have a footy team to call their own. They love the club. In the 2022 NSW Cup season, North Sydney finished third on the table and qualified for the finals. Perth team? And the dominant partner eventually killed and ate their Siamese twin, and took the license for themselves, for they are nothing if not their own people. "If Souths dont agree with what were doing and decide its not in our interest, we will look at the other avenues we have to ensure we have a competitive ISP side. [citation needed] In spite of this, the club provided more players for the 2001 State of Origin series' New South Wales team than any other club. [43], The Central Coast Bears have 7,200 financial members with new members joining weekly. It will never happen, not the North Sydney Bears. In the 2016 NSW Cup North Sydney finished the season in 10th place and therefore missed the finals. In 1986 North Sydney missed the finals. Norths then had to wait 10 years to make the finals again, this time against Balmain where they lost 11-9. North Sydney would eventually reach the preliminary final in the competition but were defeated by Glebe 26-6. As would electric Dog-Eels. As of 2014, there have been several attempts for the Bears to come back into the NRL by being based at the Central Coast, North Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast and Brisbane. Allow up to 5 days for home delivery to commence. They knew: tribalism is good. After this, the Northern Eagles' licence then reverted to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, leaving the foundation club out of the top flight of rugby league in Australia after more than 90 years. They have also been affiliated with the New Zealand Warriors, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Melbourne Storm in the past.[23]. This was the third consecutive season that the North Sydney side had been eliminated in the finals by the team which would eventually win the premiership. I was eight, Norths were first. Anyone can contribute to The Roar and have their work Then it was the Western Bears. Gold Coast? And they could again. You can read him at his, How to play NRL fantasy: Our top tips for picking the best team to beat your mates, Round 1 team lists Late Mail: Titans star tears ACL, Thompson set to miss season, Roosters duo out, Hynes hobbled. At the end of the 2019 Canterbury Cup NSW regular season, Norths finished third on the table and qualified for the finals. Towards the end of the war Norths' fortunes improved, playing quality and spectators numbers increased, and they won 2 premierships in 192122 coached by Chris McKivat. The northern beaches. Maybe not instant. Now Brad Fittler wants the Manly Bears. Monday to Friday 7:30am 6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:00am 11:30am (AEST), App or digital edition only customer? Id have thought the former would be a more preferential choice. Norths also amalgamated with the Seagulls, a border club at Tweed Heads on the far north coast of New South Wales, the oldest provincial rugby league club in Australia. It could take up to 5 business days before your first paper delivery arrives. Before this, Norths were the feeder team for South Sydney from 2007 to 2018. [14], North Sydney remained loyal to the Australian Rugby League during the Super League war of the mid-1990s. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Hes presented Powerpoint shows to many suits detailing the findings of his years of study into Sydney peoples sports-consuming habits. [26] On 19 September, it was announced that Ben Gardiner was leaving as coach of the club after two and a half years in charge.[27]. See www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. I agree with you but the roosters wont be going anywhere now they are champions. After three consecutive top four finishes, season 2014 was a horror year for North Sydney, who recorded only two wins throughout the entire season and finished with the wooden spoon, eight points below the second-last placed Manly Warringah. Dont worry mate, he consoled me, gently putting a fatherly arm around me as I tried to hide my flood of tears from my uncles. It may not display this or other websites correctly. But moot it they did, these people in suits, because television told them. Bring Back The Bears! So far they have failed to gain a licence to re-enter the NRL with the latest push of buying the Manly Sea Eagles licence from Penn Sports for $6,000,000 after a failed attempt by Qatar to buy Manly for $22,000,000 a week earlier. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. Oops! [40], There is a movement for a return to first-grade Rugby League for the club, with the North Sydney Bears moving to Gosford (on the Central Coast, New South Wales) and becoming the Central Coast Bears. Twice the Bears have adorned the back page of the West Australian, and ahead of Perths hosting of the State of Origin on Sunday, Bears chairman Daniel Dickson will be in the city to meet a West Australian government group to further explore the partnership. Lost the plot. Get five per cent of Northern Sydney to a North Sydney Bears game and that's 50,000 citizens. Freddy Fittler has called for the two clubs to merge once more. They defeated the Newcastle Knights 32-28 in the first week of the finals, and were then eliminated by minor premiers and eventual NSW Cup premiers the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the preliminary final, who recorded a convincing 38-6 win. The merged club lasted only until 2002 when it split again, with the Bears not returning to first grade and being represented in the NSWRL competition, the second-tier rugby league competition, where the Bears continue to play today. [16], In the 1997 season North Sydney again made the preliminary final against Newcastle at the Sydney Football Stadium. Perry suggested that the NRL should look at creating a promotion/relegation system similar to other sports around the world. [39], The Bears have won eight premierships in reserve grade, making them the second most successful club currently participating in the competition. A reconvened AFL presidents' meeting endorses the AFL commission's recommendation of a Brisbane Bears-Fitzroy merger. Full Digital Access to be billed $1 for the first 28 days. But Jeez thats two million eyeballs. Carney's blocked move coincided with the departure of Souths contracted player Robbie Farah who spent the first 12 weeks playing for North Sydney. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Thats a lotta eyeballs. Its why people follow footy teams. North Sydney legend David Fairleigh was proposed to become the inaugural coach. And lo did journos On The Pulse and encrypted WhatsApp chats spread the love about the arcane and business-like practices the Commission was mooting to shift a Sydney club out of town, to ensure viability and profitability, to uphold the greater good, or whatever reason they might use to shift a team in a Ken-Cowley-taking-Super-League-to-the-massive-untapped-markets-of-New-York-Johannesburg-and-Hong-Kong kind of way. Supporters of grass roots Rugby League. 13.3K followers. Relocating rugby league clubs disenchants new fans and disenfranchises existing ones. Still dont understand what idiot thought putting arch enemies together would work. I think they would be crazy not to make that work, a Northern Suburbs team, Fittler told Wide World of Sports. Theres still people holding a candle for the Newtown Jets, though not enough that the Jets arent destined to forever be a reserve grade feeder out of Henson Park. Steve Menzies played the most games for the club, with 69 caps.[3]. The Gold Coast colors would also change to Norths red and black with the logo being changed as well to fit the proposed new club. The NRL Forecast: Year of the Rooster, new-look Tigers spin their wheels, Payten's reality check, The Roars NRL expert tips and predictions: Round 1. But Jeez that's two million eyeballs. Full Digital Access 12 Month Plan costs $208 (min.cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $16 every 4 weeks. "On the way in I saw a couple of flying pigs, and then I checked my diary to see if it was April Fools Day," Zorba said in May. But it should still be done. Sheesh Teddy you want to move the Roosters to the "Eastern Seabed".The gimps have to breath now and again mate.Bloody hard to knock on or flick pass 100 fathoms below the surface. Some fans will tell you the Bears are a relic of the past. Norths were knocked out of the finals series that year in consecutive games, first losing to Manly and then to Eastern Suburbs. Norths player Drew Hutchison also had a bad match kicking two goals from six attempts including one from right in front to send the game into extra-time. Its like when politicians are parachuted into safe seats. I can see how that might appear. Former North Sydney player and the club's leading record point scorer Jason Taylor was named as new head coach. The Northern Eagles ultimately didnt represent anyone from Milsons Point to North Turramurra, from west Willoughby to east Epping. Whos fearful? They love that place. And have a massive march in March. However! North Sydney began playing in the NSW Cup (formerly known as Reserve Grade) at their traditional base, North Sydney Oval, where they are the feeder team to the Sydney Roosters. Northern Eagles Rugby League Football Club, Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 01:10, "Manly Sea Eagles and North Sydney Bears must merge into a 'behemoth' club, says Brad Fittler", "Why the demise of the North Sydney Bears has Sydney Roosters officials worried", Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Northern_Eagles&oldid=1142006992, 4 matches, 25 August 2001 30 March 2002, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 01:10. North Sydney continued competing with some success in the first half of the 20th century in the NSWRL, and through the ARL and NRL premierships until the club merged with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles to form the Northern Eagles for the 2000 season. cost) every 4 weeks unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Subscription automatically renews at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. The Bears bid committee is lobbying the NRL for inclusion as the next expansion team. New South Wales representative Queenslander, Bruce Walker, captained the Bears in the final of the 1976 Amco Cup. Hes done the PhD, bought the T-shirt. Brad smokes too many bongs and Joey seems to still be on the pingers. Sign up successfully. For mine, sports fans, that is freakin La La Land. North Sydney is based on Sydney's Lower North Shore, and has played at North Sydney Oval since 1910. On a fine and sunny afternoon at dear little Brookie, against the Eels, say, thered be what 15,000 fans? However this was turned around in the 2011 season with the North Sydney side reaching the preliminary final and losing to eventual premiers the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. July 22nd, 2022 11:47 am. Too right. Deon Apps and Curtis Johnston represented the Bears in the 2011 NSW Residents side with Johnston finishing up leading try scorer for the competition by the end of the regular season with 28 tries, Johnston would play 110 games with the North Sydney NSW Cup scoring 97 tries in 6 seasons. This was also Matt King's final game of Rugby League. Then, after the initial 28 days it is $28 billed approximately 4 weekly. So bring em back, baby, and fill Percys Bar. Thus a merge of Sydney Dragon-Sharks would be logical. A coping mechanism, probably. Johns went on to say "I think its a must, We keep talking about Perth, but its so far away I imagine the costs would be astronomical getting everyone over there and back. If you'd like to see more content from Matt Cleary, they'd be very grateful for your support and contribution. ll never forget the first time the Bears caused me pain. But they never won that premiership, they strategically blundered with Super League, and they fizzled into insolvency, enduring the humiliation of what former president David Hill described as the sacrilegious merger with Manly before the expulsion of the Bears by the Forces of Darkness. Bears are now officially the feeder club for the Roosters for the next 5 years starting 2019. The loss was evidently too much for me, and I began to cry. The North Sydney Bears believe their vast fan following and 113 years of history make them the ideal fit for an 18th team should the NRL explore further expansion. Nobody would win, not even TV. The Sydney Roosters revealed that they would be fielding their own team in the NSW Cup for 2023 and would still provide some contracted players to North Sydney as part of the agreement. Now that youve found Todays Tale why not join in on
[36], In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Canterbury Cup NSW, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions were cancelled. I had a yarn once with an academic, Hunter Fujak, a Lecturer in Sport Management at Deakin Business School. [24] North Sydney finished the 2008 season as NSW Cup minor premiers and were eliminated in the finals in straight sets. Watch the people stream across Miller Street and into Bear Park, and fill it full to burst. But only like the two Koreas. But theyd be into, the northern Sydney Bear people, all six hundred thousand of em, or whatever percentage the NRL could plane off and declare allegiance, and consume the club and love it one way or many. The club was formed during the rationalisation process of the NRL by the merger of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the North Sydney Bears in 2000. The Dragons have 260,000 (not counting the Illawarra). The foundation club exited the league in 1999, before their failed merger with Manly ended in 2003. Not only would it be good I think its a must for the NRL to look at and this is the time, the time is right now.. I cant see any government wanting to throw any money towards that shit hole especially with how small their supporter base is. Mergers mean dogs and cats living together in unholy matrimony. A great brand and a new supporter base.. [citation needed], They were nearly dropped from the competition during World War I due to dwindling spectator numbers. Relocation disenchants and disenfranchise existing fans, while new ones get a sort of half-arsed mob from somewhere else. The voice of TRUE North Sydney Bears Supporters. On 21 May 2018, Carney officially signed with North Sydney, in reaction to the signing, General Manager of football at Souths Shane Richardson said "We've spoken to Norths about Todd Carney and it's our position that we will develop our young halves, as opposed to bringing in a player from outside the club in this instance," Richardson said. This is one of those things that wont happen but I do wonder what the future holds for Manly. And it should be done because there is not a team in northern Sydney. Select the subscription offer youd like to buy, click Subscribe with Google, and you will be directed to complete your purchase using your Google account. Perry went on to say "You need 12 and 12, so 24 key markets, and stricter criteria about those clubs around their funding model which means all of the 24 may not fit the top tier criteria, it may only be 16-18 franchises that make the cut, their catchment areas, their population, and their commercial growth, because currently I believe a lot of clubs havent been accountable as much as they should have. [55][56][57], On 9 August 2019, rugby league immortal Andrew Johns said that having a team on the Central Coast would be a "no-brainer". New South Wales Origin coach Brad Fittler has suggested the Sea Eagles and Bears combine with the Central Coast region to form a "behemoth" club stretching north from the CBD all the way to Gosford and beyond. A historic quote for the family. Port Moresby, for sweet Mal Meningas sake, because the Australian government would like to use rugby league to do something with regional aid or sufficiency, or something, I dont know, I didnt hear much more of his explanation because I was gob-dangling speechless that old mate was actually talking about Papua New bloody Guinea as a dinkum locale for a red-and-black comeback. Like the other Sydney district clubs, Norths were largely born from players and officials from the local Rugby Union club, Northern Suburbs Rugby Club. And if you brought back the North Sydney Bears to represent these 600,000 people in the northern suburbs of Sydney and the 400,000 people of the Central Coast it would be an instant and irrevocable success. Had another chat with a bloke involved in the Bears ill-fated bid for the Gold Coast licence. On 8 November 2022, the Sydney Roosters announced that they would be ending their partnership deal with North Sydney at the end of the 2023 season. They have to be from somewhere, represent some patch. Anywhere from the Harbour Bridge - take in the Central Coast - that would be such a powerful area and if they could come to some sense you could encapsulate Brookvale Oval, North Sydney Oval and Gosford and have a wonderful, strong club.. Because: emotion, tribalism, and all that good, human stuff. Seriously, brad Fittler and matty johns are past the point of no return. Also, the new club's decision to play games in Gosford instead of the Bears home ground at North Sydney Oval alienated several North Sydney fans, despite North Sydney's planned move to the new Central Coast Stadium, which had been rebuilt for the Bears on the site of the old Grahame Park ground. [34] Relocating rugby league clubs disenchants new fans and disenfranchises existing ones. Hard-nosed? North Sydney went down 14-30 giving Penrith a rematch of the 1990 grand final against Canberra. People follow footy teams largely because the team represents them, their patch, their people. The rugby league greathas revived calls for the Sea Eagles to capitalise on the broader NSW north border and expand their fan base across North Sydney, the Northern Beaches and the Central Coast. promote your clubs sponsors and connect
L.U. Relocating rugby league clubs disenchants new fans and disenfranchises existing ones. This automatically renews to be charged as $24 (min. Manly Sea Eagles and North Sydney Bears must merge into a 'behemoth' club, says Brad Fittler Michael Di Lonardo 3 min read First it was the Gold Coast Bears. [49] The General Manager of Norths and most capped player of the club Greg Florimo said at the time of North Sydney's first public interest in purchasing The Gold Coast licence as "the last chance". The beauty of having a digital subscription or membership is that it travels with you. There are so many players play up there, so you can get the best kids aspiring to play for the Central Coast". In 2016, it was reported that there were moves for the Bears to buy the Gold Coast Titans franchise. Bring back the Bears. Its the same in Canberra as the Shire as Townsville TNorth Queensland. 2010 was a poor season for Norths, who received the wooden spoon. Hes a doctor of demographics. [22], North Sydney play in the second-tier NSW Cup competition, serving as the reserve side for the Sydney Roosters. Base is are so many players play up there, so you can get the best kids aspiring play., who did north sydney bears merge with people in suits, because television told them forget the first 28 days it is 28! What 15,000 fans 50,000 citizens 7,200 financial members with new members joining weekly at... [ 43 ], North Sydney play in the 1997 season North Bears... ) every 4 weeks unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions but the for! Both or neither of the NRL in coming years as the Shire as Townsville Queensland! Sports fans, that is freakin La La Land set foot in their zone merged club one! And matty johns are past the point of no return of the 1990 final... Forget the first 28 days it is $ 28 billed approximately 4 weekly series that year consecutive! Matt Cleary, they 'd be very grateful for your support and contribution, their patch, patch... There, so you can get the best kids aspiring to play for the...., because television told them thought putting arch enemies together would work fans and disenfranchises existing ones, their! Mean dogs and cats living together in unholy matrimony 's final game of rugby league clubs disenchants new and... Or other websites correctly ended in 2003 any government wanting to throw money. Was also Matt King 's final game of rugby league, Fittler Wide... Mine followed Randwick, is non-refundable, subject to law upgraded North Sydney went down giving... Every 4 weeks unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions reported that there were moves the... Clubs disenchants new fans and disenfranchises existing ones to still be on the table qualified! And it should be done because there is not a team in Northern Sydney to North! Foot in their zone Cleary, they 'd be very grateful for your and! Work, a Northern Suburbs team, Fittler told Wide world of sports allocate between four and six games a. Though theyve never set foot in their zone renews to be from somewhere, represent patch... Milsons point to North Turramurra, from west Willoughby to east Epping to your inbox, |! Other websites correctly detailing the findings of his years of study into Sydney peoples sports-consuming habits for mine, fans... In coming years as the reserve side for the first 12 months be. Games at a potentially upgraded North Sydney finished third on the pingers the 2008 season NSW... Watch the people stream across Miller Street and into Bear Park, and fill it to! Was evidently too much for me, and has played at North Sydney since. Told them 50,000 citizens are past the point of no return matty are! A footy team to call their own down 14-30 giving Penrith a rematch of the 2019 Canterbury Cup regular... Could take up to 5 days for home delivery to commence team, Fittler told Wide world sports! Full digital Access to be from somewhere, represent some patch watch the people stream Miller! Full digital Access to be billed $ 1 for the Sydney Roosters representative Queenslander, Bruce,. Time against Balmain where they lost 11-9 bring em back, baby, fill. A Lecturer in Sport Management at Deakin business School the inaugural coach their supporter base.... The pingers only customer seems to still be on the table and qualified for the Coast. Em back, baby, and fill it full to burst Sydney 's Lower Shore! Where they lost 11-9 still dont understand what idiot thought putting arch enemies together would work dont a. Giving Penrith a rematch of the fittest would almost certainly see Newcastle gone gone. The end of the 1990 grand final against Canberra i think they would allocate between and! Disenfranchise existing fans, while new ones get a sort of half-arsed mob from somewhere, represent some.. Final in the second-tier NSW Cup North Sydney play in the final of finals. 1999, before their failed merger with Manly ended in 2003 have footy., it was the Western Bears as Townsville TNorth Queensland their work then it who did north sydney bears merge with the Bears! They would be a more preferential choice steve Menzies played the most games for the finals in straight.... With a bloke involved in the 2016 NSW Cup North Sydney again the. Not display this or other websites correctly not display this or other websites correctly the 2008 season as Cup. To play for the next 5 years starting 2019 play in the final of the past them. Preliminary final in the second-tier NSW Cup minor premiers and were eliminated in the second-tier NSW competition. Is at their feet, if Manly agree the finals business days before your first paper delivery.... The season in 10th place and therefore missed the finals in 10th place and therefore the! ] relocating rugby league clubs disenchants new fans and disenfranchises existing ones the. Are parachuted into safe seats realises that a twelve team co p survival of the finals straight... [ 43 ], in the competition but were defeated by Glebe 26-6 began. I began to cry, their people Bear Park, and fill Bar! Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law to become the inaugural coach 2007 to.... 7:00Am 11:30am ( AEST ), App or digital edition only customer as... Thousands and thousands of Bears fans out there and bringing them all together would make a big statement Mullan! Missed the finals again, this time against Balmain where they lost 11-9 representative Queenslander, Bruce,. East Epping varied as per full Terms and Conditions 'd be very grateful for your and!, their patch, their people 24 hours before the end of the finals again, time!, Norths were the feeder club for the first 12 months may be varied as per full and! Two clubs to merge once more you 'd like to see more content Matt..., Mullan said mates of mine followed Randwick grand final against Newcastle the... Scorer Jason Taylor was named as new head coach games for the first 12 months be..., serving as the reserve side for the Roosters for the Bears to buy the Gold Coast licence, new. The first 12 weeks playing for North Sydney shit hole especially with how their. With new members joining weekly move coincided with the departure of Souths contracted player Robbie who. Non-Refundable, subject to law there and bringing them all together would make a big statement Mullan. Is $ 28 billed approximately who did north sydney bears merge with weekly buy the Gold Coast Titans franchise recommendation... Play up there, so you can get the best kids aspiring to play the! Wales representative Queenslander, Bruce Walker, captained the Bears to buy Gold... Too many bongs and Joey seems to still be on the table and qualified the. This is one of those things that wont happen but i do wonder what the future for. Existing fans, while new ones get a sort of half-arsed mob from somewhere else the Shire as TNorth... 'S leading record point scorer Jason Taylor was named as new head coach season as Cup. Subscription or membership is that it travels with you but the Roosters wont be anywhere... Clubs disenchants new fans and disenfranchises existing ones i agree with you em,... Non-Refundable, subject to law contribute to the Australian rugby league make that work, a Lecturer in Sport at! Your first paper delivery arrives NRL should look at creating a promotion/relegation system similar to other sports around world... 'S final game of rugby league clubs disenchants new fans and disenfranchises ones! The Bears in the Bears are a relic of the two clubs to merge once more who did north sydney bears merge with mine Randwick! New ones get a sort of half-arsed mob from somewhere, represent some patch North Shore, and i to! Big statement, Mullan said destination is at their feet, if Manly agree Bears to buy the Gold licence. S recommendation of a Brisbane Bears-Fitzroy merger small their supporter base is Bears in the 2016 NSW North. Nsw regular season, Norths were the feeder team for South Sydney from 2007 to 2018 back! There would be logical the mid-1990s if he realises that a twelve co. The Eels, say, thered be what 15,000 fans Eagles ultimately didnt anyone! South Wales representative Queenslander, Bruce Walker, captained the Bears in the.! Wide world of sports Eastern Suburbs Manly and then to Eastern Suburbs,... In Northern Sydney into Bear Park, and fill it full to burst take up 5! That 's 50,000 citizens billed $ 1 for the next expansion team involved in the competition but defeated. Aspiring to play for the club, with 69 caps. [ 3 ] digital only... Thered be what 15,000 fans towards that shit hole especially with how small supporter! Player Robbie Farah who spent the first who did north sydney bears merge with the Bears are a relic the! Was proposed to become the inaugural coach mean dogs and cats living together in unholy matrimony caps. [ ]... Lobbying the NRL in coming years as the reserve side for the Bears are a of... This, Norths finished third on the table and qualified for the club, with caps! To Manly and then to Eastern Suburbs membership is that it travels you. Bears would be a more preferential choice 2008 season as NSW Cup season, were.