From The Bears Den - May
By GREG FLORIMO
THE BEARS MAGAZINE - 5/2004


As you read this the case for a Central Coast Bears’ inclusion into the NRL should be resolved, or at least close to a resolution. The travesty of injustice that we have been forced to endure over the past 4 years, when the North Sydney Bears were ‘encouraged’ to relocate to the Central Coast, could all turn to joy if the right decision is handed down.

We recently heard from John Singleton, who formally presented his business plan at the magnificent Central Coast Stadium, and were apprised of the obvious benefits that a franchise based at Gosford will bring the game. The facts that were presented reinforced what we all know, so how can we be denied?

The arguments for a Central Coast Bears: The largest NSW franchise area, with a combined North Shore/Central Coast population of 800,000 people; The support of Australians' biggest Advertising and Marketing group; Guarantee of financial performance; World class facility; Established NRL fan/customer/player base; Experienced rugby league infrastructure and the list goes on. Surely it is only a matter of process now, and soon we'll be dancing in the streets!

Of course once we do get the go ahead from the NRL, this will have a flow on effect with our local league. By all accounts, our numbers are up on last years registrations and with the resurrection of the Bears our junior league will prosper. It is important that our stars of tomorrow have identifiable and accessible role models, something that has been lacking within the district in past seasons. I would like to think that there would be an incorporation of North Sydney juniors into the CCBears, to ensure the continuing production of local talent.

Our 4 teams have begun season 2004, and the junior rep season is almost over after 9 rounds. Both our Harold Matthews (u116’s) and our SG Ball (u/l8’s) have performed very well in what is the best competition of its type in the world. Both teams are made up of a combination of local boys and some quality imports. Mitchell Eirth, James Elliot, Liam Foran, Jordan Hoo, Curtis Johnston, Daniel Lahoud, Shaun McNeill, John Michelson, Mitchell Pearce, Michael Radocay, Ben Samaan, Sean Bovis, Luke McDonald, Adam Moratti and James Workman are all local boys doing the red and black proud!

The Jersey Flegg (u/20’s) and Premier League sides are always in need of support, so if you find yourself in need of a footy hit, come and support your team!

Don’t forget that for all information relating to match times and general Bears information, visit our new website at www.northsydneybears.com.au, and I’ll see you at the game!

JUNIOR BEAR BUSINESS

THE ACTION HAS STARTED

All junior league competitions have commenced for the season and it promises to be very exciting around the grounds this year. The U/6,7,8,9,1O,11,12,13,and 14’s all play on Saturdays with the U/15,16,17,19 and A grades playing on Sundays. Ovals that are regularly used are Warrina St Oval Berowra, Storey Park Asquith, Greenway Park Cherrybrook, Dural Park, Tunks Park Cammeray and Willoughby Park. Games are also played at Tantallon Oval Lane Cove and Waitara Oval Hornsby.

Once again we are playing joint competitions with Manly in the 12,13,14,15,16,17, and 19’s. At the completion of the season proper most of these competitions will revert back to North Sydney and Manly for separate semi finals and grand finals. All other grades are conducted as North Sydney competitions.

Unfortunately we have had a lot of problems with the Manly Junior League with the A grade competition. At the time of going to press Narrabeen, Avalon and Christian Brothers have not been granted permission to play in the A Grade and we are running a competition with North Sydney teams only. This is a real shame as the five North Sydney teams have raised their standards to match the good Manly teams that have played in our competitions over the last 3 years. It did promise to be a fantastic competition.

The Asquith “A” grade teams have entered the Parramatta competition to enable them to play in a very strong competition whilst keeping their two teams together.

Hopefully a mutual agreement can be worked out with Manly to accommodate all levels of A grade football in the future.

AN INCREASE IN NUMBERS

A lot of hard work by the clubs, and plenty of promotion by Kate, our Foundation Development Officer, is starting to pay off.

This year we have had an increase in teams and players. Finally, people are starting to see that “the greatest game of all” is great fun, inexpensive, well controlled, safe and extremely enjoyable. With the safe play code, modified games program and accredited coaches and referees, junior league is the game to play.

CAN I STILL JOIN?

Yes you can.

With Junior Rugby Union now playing a lot of Friday night and Sunday games the opportunity is there to play both codes.

All clubs are still registering players. For further information ring the Junior League office on 9466 8855.

SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Our ARL Foundation Development Officer, Kate Watson, is very busy with her skill sessions in the schools and the “Kids to Kangaroos” program after school. For further information ring Kate on 9466 8869.

BEARS VIDEO DOCUMENTARY UPDATE

In our last issue we mentioned that production on The Mighty Bears Video History has done so much to build an inventory of knowledge about the Rugby League archives.

We recently received the following message from Terry Williams at the NSWRL after he had seen the entire series to date. “Congratulations to all involved in the making of The Mighty Bears — it is a magnificent tribute to the enormous contribution the North Sydney District Rugby League Football Club has made to the game and their central role in the community over nearly 100 years.”

Besides the Stanton Library, Mitchell Library and the NSW State Library purchasing The Mighty Bears Video History, the series was also purchased by the company that was responsible for the ‘launch’ of the new Luna Park in April. They had a North Sydney RL Memorabilia display at the ‘launch’ which was very well put together. The videos were available to the public for viewing.

At this stage we still anticipate that Volume 5, which is the period 1985-1990, will be released later in the year.

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