Cricket has joined forces with the North Sydney Bears in a move that could help pave the way for the club to make an NRL comeback.
The North Sydney Bears have formed an unlikely alliance with cricket on a project aimed at boosting its bold bid to return to the NRL.
Cricket NSW and the Bears have joined forces on a proposed $11 million funding redevelopment of North Sydney Oval to ensure the famous old ground remains viable as a venue for elite sport.
The Bears are trying to make a play for the NRL’s 18th licence and although the club has accepted it would have to be based outside of Sydney if successful, it is proposing at least one or two matches per season to be played at its traditional North Sydney Oval home.
Cricket NSW believes North Sydney Oval is a key venue in the future of women’s cricket and has outlined a proposal to give the ground a “modest upgrade.”
“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 has written in a prospectus outlining its plan to grow cricket over the next four years.
“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.”
The Bears have been heavily linked to a return as the WA Bears out of Perth, but officials are not committing to any one bid and are open to partnering with other hopeful licence bids that might emerge.
How the newly added Redcliffe Dolphins franchise performs in 2023 as the 17th team could have a major bearing on when the NRL looks to even the draw and go to 18 teams.
Under the North Sydney Oval proposal both the Bears and Cricket NSW have committed to contributing $100,000 each, while North Sydney Council would put in $2.5 million.
The AFL would pitch in $50,000 and Northern Suburbs Rugby $20,000, meaning a further $8.5 million is being sought from Governments to make the $11 million project a reality.
Under the proposed upgrade, North Sydney Oval’s accessibility would improve for spectators as well as food, beverage and toilet facilities.
Timber bench seats in the old grandstands would be replaced with individual seating, while media and broadcasting facilities would be enhanced.
The playing surface would be relevelled and player and game official facilities would be upgraded, including permanent dugouts on the boundary for women’s cricket.
Originally published as Cricket links with North Sydney Bears’ bold bid for NRL return
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