JETS RETAIN THE SHIELD
As the 1908 foundation club fans of both the Bears and Jets flooded into North Sydney Oval last Sunday, the venue was a buzz of excitement. The news had come out only days earlier that the Western Bears partnership agreement had been reached and now we await the decision by the NRL. Thousands of fans filled the hill and what a site it was to see! Before the main game, local U16s North Sydney Brothers team demolished Mascot Juniors and pushed them one step closer to finals. At 2pm, Greg Florimo and ex-Bear Curtis Johnston lead a fun rugby league skills session on field alongside our Knock-On Effect NSW Cup team as they warmed up. Helping the group of young and old fans on field, were many of our KOE NSW Cup players including Ben Talty, Riley Meyn, Phil Makatoa, Coby Thomas andΒ moreΒ who thoroughly enjoyed getting stuck in with the fans.
The main game kicked off at 3pm and within five minutes Bears were on the board taking the points from a dangerous tackle penaltyΒ near the line. Unfortunately, that was where the Bears score was going to remain for quite a while. Over the next 20 minutes, Bears played an undisciplined game allowing numerous errors, penalties and mistakes to occur as well as having a number of try opportunities denied. Jets took advantage with one converted and one unconverted try during this time taking the scoreΒ to 2 – 10. The final ten minutes of the first half saw both sides trying to attack and defend their lines with Bears showing some good resolution to keep the scores close and deny any further opposition points in the half, sending the teams to the sheds with the score as per previous.
ONLY 3 GAMES TO GO
With only two home games remaining for the 2024 season, we once again call out to all red & black fans to come fill the hill and enjoy a great Sunday afternoon of footy at North Sydney Oval. Bears v Panthers is always a strong game and the black cats are needing a win to keep their hopes of finals footy alive. The Bears are working very hard to get back in the winner’s circle after three losses in a row. A big crowd will help boostΒ the boys and is important in securing a spot in the finals. Before the main game, we will welcome U6, U7 and U8s junior league players from across the North Sydney District to play their Grand Final Gala Day on historic North Sydney Oval. This is always a great event and an opportunity for the youngest Bears to experience the beauty of Bear Park.
10am Miller St Gates Open (Ridge St Gates open at 2pm)
Β 10.30am NSDJRL Minis Grand Final Gala Day (U6, U7 and U8s)
Β 3pm Bears v PanthersΒ kicks off
Gourmet footy food by The Greens North Sydney
Bear Park Beers and Ginger Bear
Free facepainting and kid’s activities
Β Adults $15, Conc $8 and Kids U16 GO FREE
ONLY $5 ENTRY BEFORE 1PM
See below who makes the Tuesday team list for round 24Β >>
Injuries continue to plague our Knock-On Effect NSW Cup squad which in turn has seen some team adjustments andΒ earlier than expected debuts from our Ron Massey feeder team. Jack Boyling returned from injury last Sunday, slightly earlier than planned to the Cup team, but had a good game and showed his rehabilitation had been done well to handle the game day workload.
The team have been sorely missing Phil Makatoa in our forwards after he sustained a left syndesmosis injury in round 20. Aiming for a return to play in round 26. Josh Bevan is also recovering well from a right knee injury and he, and Coby Thomas, are expected to return to play against the Roosters in round 25.
Our long-term injuries are also progressing well, and we are working towards seeing Nathaniel Roache, Luke Hodge and Israel Ogden all return to the team during the finals period. Riley Meyn is now 9 weeks post ACL reconstructive surgery and is looking towards a 2025 return.
