We are in the midst of finals footy there is a lot of chatter about results, crowd numbers and the refs. But there is one other story that is bubbling away in the background that has piqued the interest of a niche group of rugby league fans – the sale of the Gold Coast Titans.
Of course the Gold Coast locals are watching with interest, with a bumpy ten years behind them, the GC contingent will be hoping for a solid consortium to help steady the ship and ensure a long and prosperous future.
The other group whose ears have pricked up are the old North Sydney faithful. For those that aren’t familiar with the news to date, word is that the Bears, combined with a big financial backing are making a play for the licence.
Now let it be known off the bat that I would love to see the Bears back. Seeing the red and black playing in the top tier would be a dream, and am all for this even though they have stated they are fully committed to the Gold Coast region. As a Sydney-based fan, one home game at NSO versus Manly would be huge, and let’s be honest, with 8-9 ‘away’ games in Sydney anyway, I’d have plenty of opportunities to see them play.
However I’m not writing this to say why the NRL should pick the Bears over the Titans, or why the GC should get behind the team – Billy Moore is doing that already. Why I am writing this is that I’ve noticed a lot of people who oppose the bid define the club by the fact their last premiership was in 1922, or that they were a ‘failed’ club that went broke.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Yes it’s true, 1922 was their last premiership. However there is a lot more to the club than most people realise, or that is even widely published. Which is why despite an almost 20-year exodus people still get fire in the belly when talk of them coming back surfaces.
Whether people like it or not, the Bears form a significant part of the history of rugby league in Australia. While there is debate, many league historians believe that North Sydney was the first club officially registered by NSWRL for the 1908 competition.
When the league was established the majority of clubs adopted the colours of the local rugby union team, North Sydney were the only club to break that trend, rejecting the local union strip and instead opted to don the red and black we are still familiar with.
The Bears lay claim to having the first Australian player ever to score a try against Great Britain in Jimmy Devereaux and may have also been the first club to have an indigenous captain, when they bestowed George Green, the first Indigenous rugby league player, with the captaincy in 1916. Bears stalwart Ken Irvine still to this day holds the league record of 212 tries in his career.
In addition to this the Bears were the first team to ever draw 40,000 spectators against Easts in 1921, and in 1943 they were the first club to draw a 60,000+ crowd figure against Newtown. Even as late as 1991 and 1994, the Bears were Sydney’s most supported team, only trailing behind Brisbane and Newcastle.
They were also the first ever rugby league team to have their match televised in Australia, playing against Balmain.
All significant milestones.
While the Bears still operate a successful junior RL district and team in the Intrust Super Premiership, their 109-year journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. These obstacles started straight from their inception with the Bears having no consistent home ground for the first two years of their existence, with the local council refusing to let them play at North Sydney Oval in order to preference rugby union.
Their catchment area was cut down significantly, twice. Firstly, in 1922, the NSWRL took Ryde, North Ryde, Hunters Hill and Gladesville from the Norths District and gave it to Balmain. Secondly in 1947, the Northern beaches were taken away when Manly-Warringah entered the premiership.
The Bears lost 33 grade players from this split, however it is a testament to the character of the club that they voted in favour of MW having their own team to grow the game, despite it being against their interests.
The growth of Sydney has also given the Bears a number of challenges, after winning two premierships, construction of the Harbour Bridge commenced in 1923 which resulted in 500 working class homes from the area removed. Later in the late ’60s, the development of the Warringah freeway removed further homes and prevented the Bears from building their own purpose built stadium and also prevented the expansion of their Leagues club.
Despite this, the Bears continued to build themselves better and stronger, with their last decade in first grade being one of their best, reaching four prelims and winning four reserve grade premierships in five years.
Hardships aside, the Bears have always gone above to support the community and help grow rugby league as a whole.
During the First World War, attendance for the club was low and the club like many others was struggling, yet an initiative was set up and gate taking were collected and went to the ‘Belgium Fund’ war effort.
In the ’30s during the Great Depression, despite significant decline in finances, they continued to meet all their financial obligations as a club while continuing to fundraise for the districts unemployed. In WW2, again the Bears took a lead in helping fundraise for various donations, and North Sydney Oval was even used by the National Emergency Services.
The Bears also have a history of going outside of their own domain to help grow the game for the greater good. In 1926 North’s Paddy Boland helped expand RL to rural NSW. As mentioned earlier in 1946, Norths voted in favour of their catchment area splitting to set up Manly. In 1994 the Bears also set up a twin club in Fiji that still exists today – the Fiji Army Bears, they provided financial support and kit, as well as provided additional support through coaching equipment and personnel.
A lot of other clubs can also indirectly thank the Bears for their main sources of income. In 1951, North Sydney Member of Parliament and avid Bears supporter Jim Geraghty, spearheaded a royal commission into the liquor industry which resulted in recommendations that sporting and non-sporting clubs should be the recipients of new liquor licenses. This spurned in the birth of Leagues clubs, ensuring increased finances and the growth of rugby league as a whole.
While the Bears haven’t tasted many premierships, the club was not without its successes. The Bears won a number of other titles including City Cups and the Challenge Cup. They remained undefeated at home for three consecutive years in the 60s, between 89-93 they won four reserve grade titles in five years and countless legends and household names have donned the red and black since its inception.
But on-field success doesn’t define the club and Bears fans know that. They stand for so much more. Despite a ‘bear’ trophy cabinet and almost 20 years away from the NRL, those on the North Shore still would rather not follow a team than pull on the maroon and white of their neighbours.
The Bears over their history have made a number of choices, sure they are a club that have always strived for success and survival and their 91 years in the top tier is a testament to that – but it becomes evident that the choices that were made always had an ethical backing, they chose never to trample over others to get that success.
They are a club that always oozed loyalty and character and never sold their soul for a title. The fans knew that and to this day they pay that loyalty back in turn.
They also know deep down that the Bears will not be in hibernation forever. Whether or not that is misguided faith or whether or not it will be on the Gold Coast time will tell.
I do understand that Gold Coast fans have reservations about an outside entity coming in to buy their club. It makes sense, I’d feel the same. But it history is any barometer, then if the Bears are successful, all signs point to the fact they will do everything they can to make rugby league thrive on the Gold Coast.
No club can guarantee on-field success, but what the Gold Coast could expect is a club that embraces the community and a club that any fan can truly be proud of. The Bears mascot has also been part of the GC league community since 1935 in their Burleigh, but whether or not they are ready to see that moniker represent them on the national stage is yet to be seen.
All I know is if it happens, the GC would be lucky to have them.
Col
Guest
"If" expansion ever happens ..you'd think a club like Redcliffe Dolphins would be a better option for a 2nd Brisbane team they have the history,they have the Fan base and most of all they have the money.they are the wealthiest club and have completed half their stadium last year and about to finish the other half this year to look similar to Central Coast stadium
Col
Guest
But if the Bears did relocate and purchase the licence it would have those old Bears fans in Sydney to go watch them play and boost the crowds .. this has worked successfully with 2 foundation clubs in the AFL South Melbourne Swans and Fitzroy Lions both clubs have great followings in Sydney and Brisbane plus still hold older fans from their original heartland and the AFL capitalise on this wholeheartedly ..
Col
Guest
Actually I have seen an old Norths rugby union team photo and the colours were red and black.i think the team photo was1906 ..maybe check with Norths Rugby at St Leonard's office and they can verify they have lots of old team photos there
Col
Guest
I think Redcliffe still have plans to become Brisbanes second team .they have the money and also building their stadium.half built already and a highly successsgul club
Col
Guest
Wishing the Bears all the best.. nice write up also quite comprehensive and also very much on the money.George Green also won a premiership with Easts and he was a founding member of that club.I thought George's father was an Afro Caribbean though. Receipt Number 1 for registration in the NSWRL well pretty well known to be North Sydneys .hurdles has been an uunderstatement to say the least. But we will see what happens .17 years of let downs and false starts has taken its toll.. but the NRL can correct a large error here..
Scott
Guest
Gold Coast Dolphins was the original plan. But Redcliffe Dolphins objected as they had a bold plan to become Brisbane's 2nd team at the time which is yet to eventuate.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Seems the Bombers are interested, and have stated they will keep names and colours for the reasons you have stated. Reports put their potential investment as significantly higher than the Bears, who seem a long shot. I can only hope they are and we keep a Gold Coast team on the Coast.
Rob9
Roar Guru
I think you’ll find the overwhelming majority want a club built for the sole purpose of representing the Coast. That’s what the Titan’s are and why the Bears who are a Sydney club won’t work here. Having a history spanning decades is great, but it’s not the Gold Coast’s history so nobody cares. I really don’t understand how people can just expect the Gold Coast to get passionate about and behind this concept. I know Bears fans would have a strong desire to find a home but it’s not going to be found on the Gold Coast I’m afraid. I’d suggest looking out of Queensland all together actually. Put your eggs back in the Central Coast basket… surely that has to be a matter of time.
Rob9
Roar Guru
3 hats, the Seagulls lasted the longest out of the pre-Titans clubs with a life spanning 5 years. The Titans are now at 10 years. Not only that, the Gold Coast is a very different place with different demographics compared to when the Chargers went out in 98’ and even since the Titans started in 2007. With a population that is nowhere near as transient as it was back in the late 90’s/early 2000’s, with a significantly larger base of young families, it’s not as easy as it was to push change down onto them. The Titans are far deeper engrained in the Gold Coast landscape than any of its predecessors were.
Birdy
Guest
3 hats and Nat. My biggest fear is the straw that broke the camel's back. How many changes and names can an area cop. If the Bears get it better spend up big to win over a very confused and abused fan base.
Birdy
Guest
I think your right Jamie. The Chargers were also in the black at the time with a good young roster. But the SL armistice wanted blood. Thats more the point i was trying to make, personally i would love to see the Bears get the license but RL on the GC has been badly damaged through no fault of the fans. Security and success is whats needed. If the Bears get the license the conspiracy rumors of hijacking it to the CC would be doing the rounds. Hopefully if the Bears get the license they do something unheard of in Rugby League...... Visit the schools and junior clubs. I live NW of the GC .1/2hour from me is a town called Beaudesert. Its Titans territory. The main sport in the town is RL The second main sport is daylight.guess what the local highschool built a few years ago. A big round field that has sticks stuck in the ground at either end and there not cricket stumps.
Alex
Roar Rookie
Hi Not So Super. Also for 1994, looking at attendance the same trend applies. The Bears were only behind single city teams Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast and Newcastle. They were the most supported Sydney club. http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nswrl-1994/venues.html
Jaime O'Donnell
Guest
Birdy, just an issue with your comment "In hindsight 1 of those could have been relocated to the GC and maybe would have been welcomed. " The Cold Coast Chargers where also cut at this time, I think.
Nat
Roar Guru
You both make very good points and I can see way a Sydney club can gain traction - success. Right now you have two factions declaring they have no interest in supporting their club being involved with another but money talks and success brings fans together. The author highlights the Bears fan base (which I'm skeptical of due to the reference source) but he prefaces that with 2 successful years. The Titans have no issues with selling tickets when they have been successful - and they have been when Princey and Preston went deep into the finals. But as an idea, no one wants to merge. If the Bears consort can guarantee a long-term financial support and get more attendance to Sydney games that's a good thing. Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra have both gone on and won comps and fill out home games regularly.. AFL: Swans and Bears have both had success and neither have their respective mergers questioned anymore. The Merger has to be in the best interest of the NRL in gaining financial and public support. Fans don't stay away because the administration is in trouble, they stay away because the team is not worth spending the money to go and watch. Financial support is great for the NRL and on-field success is great for the turnstiles.
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
I understand your point Birdy but... 20 years ago they were wearing Chargers merchandise and the kids loved them 30 years ago they were wearing Giants merchandise and the kids loved them also. In a few years time, it may be Bears merchandise? Who knows! That is the point though, being a Sydney Club. Queenslanders are so fickle, they won't support it. Merging with the Burleigh Bears may be the way to go.
Andrew
Guest
There is some great stuff here. For all those Gold Coast fans who remain unconvinced, the point I'd like to make is that the Bears proposal gives you the Gold Coast AND the Bears. The Kelly proposal just gives you the Gold Coast. You won't lose out by adding the Bears. You gain a connection that will only enrich your club - financially and emotionally. The GC and League in general can only benefit from the emotion those NS fans will bring. We don't have a real international game (despite the WC). What we have is local connection and community. By combining with the Bears the GC gets two sets of fans that compliment each other - the past and the present. Better Together
Birdy
Guest
3 hats All your points make perfect sence. Infact I've posted the same reasons several times in support of relocation. Most away games are in Sydney, the fans can still watch them live. Trouble is believe it or not there is a lot of support for league on the GC. They want their own identity and stability. As Rob 9 said, the kids love the Titans. I would love to see the merchandise sales figures for their gear.school bags drink bottles caps shirts and singlets everywhere. Like every other parent/ grand parent , i wear my teams colours to the games and the kids wear Titans gear. In 10 or 15 years they'll be taking their kids and the whole family will be wearing titans gear. As a diehard Balmain supporter forever struggling with the merger i would happily jump ship onto the Bears but cant see many others supporting a Sydney team up here. Love to see it but its too big a call.
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
An interesting debate! I support the North Sydney Bears on the Gold Coast. The GC Titans have 3 feeder clubs. 1) Tweed Heads Seagulls, who incidentally are financed by a club owned by North Sydney Leagues Club. 2) Burleigh Bears, they have the same logo as North Sydney. 3) Central Queensland Capras Many local Gold Coast fans say that they don't want a Sydney Club involved North of the border, many can understand that. The bottom line is that a Club on the Glitter Strip always seems to fail so how can we expect that these 2 Directors, Rebecca Frizelle and Darryl Kelly will succeed when the Titans have failed miserably these past 10 years? I am not sure how long they have been associated as Titans Directors! Not to mention the Giants, Seagulls, Chargers, 30 years of failure. The Bears can do a South Melbourne, it is simple. The North Sydney fans in Sydney can do what South Melbourne fans do and have an 'Away Games" pass. When the Swans play in Melbourne, those old rusted on fans can watch their team play in Melbourne. The same can be done for the Bears Sydney based fans. Games against Manly, Easts, Souths, Parramatta, Penrith, Canterbury, Cronulla, Tigers, Dragons Sure, the GC Bears wouldn't play every Sydney Club in Sydney every year but at least they can see the games that are in Sydney... Many NRL clubs have what is called a 4-Game pass, they can do that also. It is better than nothing! This season in Sydney the Titans played Cronulla, Souths, Tigers, Penrith, Parramatta, Easts and the Dragons at Kogarah, That is 7 Sydney clubs out of 9, not bad. The NRL can organise it so that they play Manly twice. HOW many Titans fans right now travel down to Sydney to watch their team play? Not many at all. The NRL can arrange this with a similar arrangement as AFL does! Overall it will also get more fans to games in Sydney!
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Loved the Bears as my 2nd team in the past.The saying ,bringing defeat out of the mouths of victory was apt for the Bears at times. The franchise whoever it may be,IMO has to be Gold Coast domiciled, they live in the area, they know how business/spnsorship functions there, they know full well the competitiveness of the Suns,they would be in tune with their owns fans' needs and it would resemble some sort of "stable" continuity. The Bears with no doubt strong financial backing by the League's club, (and yes they do own Seagulls in Nthn NSW),still are North Sydney and environs.Playing one game at NSO is tokenism, it hardly engenders commitment to Nth Sydney fans, and waters down GC fans' loyalty. If there is one thing the NRL should have learnt, if they have any sort of a clue ,is stability is one prerequisite to getting fans of a club onside.Constant chopping and changing names and moving clubs around, does not engender commitment to fans compared to stability. The Nth Sydney and CC area covers a huge expanse and a large population neglected by premier RL.It therefore should ,whenever time permits, become a distinct localised NRL entity in its own right, and with the Bears motif.If that means in 10 years time the NRL has 20 teams ,so be it.
Gav Harris
Guest
The Bears bid is a definite legitimate one as they currently have an active presence on the Gold Coast. The Seagulls leagues club is owned by the Norths group and has been since 1998. And yes I can see the point that the NRL doesn't want to change the branding of the Titans however the reality is that the Titans are a failure by their own doing. The Bears also did fold however that was due to a forced merge with the Manly club which was never going to work. One of the biggest advantages that The Bears offer at this stage is connection to the grass roots of the North Sydney, Central Coast and the Gold Coast rugby league catchment areas. Hopefully something that the NRL will take into consideration otherwise the NRL will need to keep opening their pockets and keep afloat the Titans franchise until they are endrenched and financial viable as part of the Gold Coast landscape. With the club being put up for sale it really shows what the NRL's stance is regarding the Titans.