The North Sydney Bears are still confident that they will be part of the NRL competition in the future despite reports that the Gold Coast will be fast-tracked.
“I only know what I read. Nothing has been made officially and if the Gold Coast want to push their cause, that is up to them,” said North Sydney General Manager Greg Florimo.
“Our aim is to be as successful this season on the field and if we can win one or two competitions then it would be hard for the NRL to leave us out”
The Bears will field teams in the Premier League, Jersey Flegg, SG Ball and Harold Matthews in 2005 with Norths forming a feeder relationship with the Melbourne Storm.
Former Kiwi captain and coach Gary Freeman will be Norths mentor in Premier League while ex-Parramatta lower grader Gary Catanaeh will take charge of the Jersey Flegg.
“We have Jamie Russo training with us and with the addition of the Storm players, we should be competitive,” said Florimo.
Norths will play all their home matches at North Sydney Oval and will also work closely with Jim Beam Cup newcomers Asquith Magpies.
The Bears will play three trial matches before the competition commences on March 5, a week earlier than the N Norths will meet Newtown on February 12 at Henson Park in the Frank Hyde Cup, Cessnock at Ccssnock Showground
on February 19 and Balmain at Leichhardt Oval on February 26.
North Sydney have an on-going agreement with John Singleton to play at Express Advocate Stadium in Gosford under the Bears banner with the same colours.
Under the agreement with Singleton, North Sydney are the only club that can play at Gosford but if another club relocates to Gosford and is not backed by the millionaire, the club can be allowed to play their home matches on the Central Coast
“If another team relocates
then it could cause problems. He (Singleton) owns the stadium so he is
looking at getting teams to play there. He has to look after his
investment,” said Florimo.
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