By Josh Alston For Daily Mail Australia
|
View
comments
The team behind the resurrection of the North Sydney Bears have formed an alliance with Cricket NSW that has given fans renewed hope of an NRL return in the near future.
The Bears were an iconic ARL club that played out of North Sydney Oval, producing legends of the game including Gary Larson, Billy Moore, Jason Taylor, Greg Florimo and the great Ken Irvine.
However the Super League war of 1997 and consequent merger with the ARL to form the NRL in 1998 meant that the Bears became a casualty.
Greg Florimo of the North Sydney Bears celebrates with fans during a NSWRL match held at North Sydney Oval 1993 in Sydney
Sean Hoppe and Mario Fenech of the North Sydney Bears celebrates after a NSWRL finals match at the Sydney Football Stadium in 1993
Because the club was in debt by $4million it did not meet the entry requirements of the NRL, so a merger with bitter northern beaches rivals Manly resulted in the creation of the Northern Eagles.
That merger would last only three years before the licence was handed back to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in 2002.
While the foundation club had been expelled from first grade, it still operates at New South Wales Cup level and there has been a strong push in recent years for the club to gain re-entry to the NRL.
That push has been given a major shot in the arm with an alliance with Cricket NSW lobbying for an $11 million funding redevelopment of North Sydney Oval.
That development would be crucial if the Bears were to be considered for the 18th NRL licence and would also pave the way for an NRLW side and ensure the venue remains a viable home for men and women cricket players as well.
In order to improve women’s cricket at North Sydney Oval, Cricket NSW has outlined a proposal for a “modest upgrade.”
Sean Abbott of the Sixers signs autograph as rain delays play during the Men’s Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at North Sydney Oval
Laura Harris of the Heat (right) plays a shot during the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) cricket match between the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat at North Sydney Oval
‘North Sydney Council and Cricket NSW have developed a joint proposal to protect the oval’s heritage and character, while cementing its future – with a modest investment to ensure the ground is a fitting venue to stage elite women’s sport in the 21st century,’ Cricket NSW said in a statement.
‘Not only is North Sydney Oval the home of women’s cricket, but it has also previously hosted the inaugural Sydney Swans AFLW match and women’s rugby league games.
‘This proposed investment would not only support the growth of women’s sport at the venue, but would also allow the North Sydney Bears a viable home venue for their respective NRL and NRLW licence bids.’
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group