By DAVID ROWLANDS
THE NORTH SHORE TIMES - 9/3/2005
North Sydney gave new coach Gary Freeman the perfect start to his career at the helm. Photo: DAVID HILL
The Gary Freeman and Melbourne Storm era at North Sydney Rugby League club is off to the prefect start.
Sporting a new strip, the Bears began the 2005 NSWRL Premier League with a stirring 28-24 win over Parramatta at Cabramatta Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon.
It was Freeman’s maiden competition game in charge of the club and the first involving fringe players from the Storm NRL team.
Three of them – Ian Donnelly, Tevita Metuisela and Jeremaih Pai – sported red and black against an experienced Eels line-up.
Despite the lack of understanding and combination in a side that has just four survivors from last year’s team and had only three trial games together, the Bears produced a six tries to four upset against one of last year’s semi-finalists.
After leading by two points at the break, Freeman was thrilled with the way his side responded after the Jason Taylor-coached Eels forged to the front 24-18 midway through the second half.
It took two late tries from wingers Joseph Swamy and Scott Webb to get the Bears home.
“I think they did a magnificent job to get the two points against a good side like Parramatta,” Freeman said.
“To start the season like that and get the two points is fantastic.
“This will give the guys a lot of extra confidence, especially because of the way they stuck to their guns and didn’t get intimidated.”
While talk of a revival might be premature, a reserved Freeman feels they will have a much clearer picture of where they stand on Saturday week when they trek to Wollongong for a meeting with last year’s runner-up St George Illawarra after this weekend’s bye.
“We can’t get too carried away and the boys know it,” he said cautiously.
“The Dragons will be another test altogether and there’s certainly a few areas we need to improve on, but the main thing is that there’s a really good feeling in the club at the moment.”