• BEARS X ROOSTERS

    How will 2023 work?

BEARS X ROOSTERS: HOW WILL 2023 WORK?

A question we often get asked is “What will you do now that Roosters have their own team in the NSW Cup comp?” and it’s a great question. We currently have one more year remaining on our contract with the Sydney Roosters and both sides are committed to honoring that contract for the 2023 season. Both clubs will have teams competing in the Knock On Effect NSW Cup competition and each team will be actively participating in player pathway movement to and from the NRL. The Sydney Roosters will be using their NSW Cup team to provide additional opportunities for their pathway teams and players to progress and test their skills at a higher level and prepare for the NRL.  The Bears have used this announcement to bolster our own squads and now have 30 contracted Bears players which has made a huge impact to the way the team trains and the talent we have available to call up to play.

Bears players will continue to be given opportunities to move up to the Roosters NRL squad and play at the highest level of competition in Australia. During the NRL Pre-Season Challenge we had four Bears contracted players, Alfred Smalley, Junior Pauga, Kurt De Lius and William Fakatoumafi, play in the Roosters trial games. These opportunities are invaluable as the players bring their learnings and experience back to the Bears team, week-in and week-out. This pathway also means we can attract a much higher level of player to the red & black.

Roosters contracted NRL players will also continue to drop back into the Bears team each week, when not required in the NRL squad. This helps keep the players match fit but also bolsters our Bears side with next level players. Head Coaches Trent Robinson and Jason Taylor are working together to ensure the Bears have a good representation of Roosters each week and we look forward to welcoming Roosters contracted players like Tui Katoa, Billy Smith, Paul Momirovski, Terrell May, Jake Turpin, Fletcher Baker and Ben Thomas to name a few that have all been allocated to the Bears. Head Coach Jason Taylor stated “our relationship with the Roosters remains positive and strong, and the new setup means we retain more control of not only our gameday plan but also ensure consistent quality training at every session. We are all looking forward to the return of footy next Friday night”.

The Bears are looking forward to a strong season and what a way to kick off the new year than taking on the reigning premiers on their home turf. Bears v Panthers on Friday 3rd March at BlueBet Stadium, kick off 5.25pm.