Media reports on Sunday claimed the Gold Coast Dolphins had emerged as favourites to claim the position in 2007.
The Gold Coast’s emergence as frontrunner allegedly stems from the belief the Central Coast Bears franchise had collapsed following John Singleton’s exit from the bid.
However, Norths’ management said their association with Singleton was not over yet. They were hoping to have discussions with Singleton soon.
Bears general manager - Greg Florimo dismissed the hype as “newspaper talk”.
“We still believe we’re alive. We don’t accept we’re out of the race,” Florimo said. “I don’t think the NRL really knows what it wants to do with expansion at this stage.”
Florimo said the club was getting on with the business of building four competitive teams for this season.
Norths’ 35-man Premier League squad has resumed training ahead of their first trial game on February 12 against Newtown at Henson Park. Over the following two Saturdays they will tune-up against Cessnock and Balmain, before the NSWRL season starts on March 12.
The Bears’ senior side has been boosted by the additions of two former Sydney Roosters lower graders, Willie Bishop and Jamie Russo.
Incoming Norths Premier League coach Gary Freeman has spent the past few days in Melbourne studying the setup of the Storm, for whom his new club will act as a feeder organisation in 2005.
Freeman’s interest lies in seeing how Norths can improve their off-field operations and ensure the new relationship between the clubs runs smoothly.
Freeman also expects to learn more about which Storm players are likely to be available to the Bears.
Norths also expect to
confirm a new major sponsor for the 2995 season within the next week.
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