It was Friday night under lights. North Sydney had suffered a beating from the Eels at Parramatta Stadium only 6 days prior. The Bears were on the way to the Central Coast in the New Year and faced a sudden death fight to continue on to a Premiership in what was expected to be their last year ever at North Sydney Oval.
The date was 12th of September 1998, the scene of the Bears last home final.
The Bears lost to Canterbury 23-2 and the year that followed was a tumultuous one, losing their bid to relocate to the Coast and ultimately entering into a joint venture with Manly-Warringah.
A little over 10 years later the Bears are not only still fighting for a return to the NRL but a place in this year’s Grand Final as they host Balmain Ryde-Eastwood at Bear Park.
Club officials are gearing up for one of their biggest days of the year with plans afoot for public participation in a possible after match photo shoot to mark the event.
On field young Matt Hunt will take over the hooking role as Ben Lowe is confirmed as not qualifying for the NSW Cup finals after turning out for South Sydney in round 25 of the NRL. His brother Jaiman remains on the injury list.
GAME DAY DETAILS
- Date: Saturday 13 September 2008
- Location: North Sydney Oval
- Finals Week one NSW Cup North Sydney V Balmain Ryde-Eastwood – 3:00 pm.
NSW CUP - FINAL WEEK ONE - NORTH SYDNEY V BALMAIN RYDE-EASTWOOD
- Samu Wara
- Nathanael Barnes
- Bladen Baird
- Greg Nichols
- John Tamanika
- Charlie Herekotukutuku
- Jeremy Smith
- Daniel Sayegh
- Matt Hunt
- Luke Grant
- John Koborsi
- Yileen Gordon
- Valu Nasio
- Ryan Verlinden
- Shaune Corrigan
- Eddie Paea
- Sean Dalton
Coach – Wayne Lambkin
