Reconnecting with lost fans through expansion

Rugby league is a strange game. If it had been created now – who would play it? Who would support it?

For today’s ‘snowflakes’, the contest is simply too brutal. Though it wasn’t a twenty-first-century creation, and so, it is a game played by tough individuals and supported by a passionate fan-base.

Obviously, on a global scale, rugby league is a minor sport. Still, that does not deny that fans see their game, their team, as a fundamental part of their lives.

The issue of fandom brings me to the point about expansion and in this case, the Bears. Clearly, for many supporters of this great club – following rugby league is less fun without their team to support.

I am a South Sydney fan, and for the two years they were kicked to the curb, my passion waned. I still followed the sport, but who won or lost didn’t bother me. The game of rugby league had, in effect, lost its mojo.

In this regard, I can empathise with Bear fans. It’s the same for the old Brisbane rugby league fans who saw their teams relegated to make way for the Brisbane Broncos. Yes, many adopted the new franchise, but for some, the axe cut deep.

Often, fans of this great game support their club, then the code. Even the former boss David Gallop admitted that fandom in the North Sydney region had declined with the Bears exclusion. So, what harm is there to bring back the red and black of the mighty North Sydney Bears?

The arguments against this include, too many Sydney clubs, not enough playing talent, not enough money, but really, these are insignificant compared to the view of geographical expansion.

Too many Sydney clubs – probably correct, but this ignores that the Bears, although having their operations and training out of North Sydney, will include the Central Coast and target other regional areas in New South Wales. Which, in reality, may mean it is reaching more audiences than the current Sydney clubs.

Moreover, this argument ignores the history of the club – the North Sydney Bears were a foundation club. Bears fans can and rightly should argue that this gives their clubs precedence over others who remain in the league. Yet, let’s not bring up the Super League era debacle.

Not enough playing talent and money are issues always raised around expansion. If expanding the NRL means contracting State Cup competitions, then fine. Conversely, I understand the quality of play debate; however, a competitive team can compete if a cohesive coaching team and the right players are chosen.

Additionally, the money factor is apparent – though, if the Bears received matching funds to the other teams, they are just as economically viable as every other club.

Lastly, the geographical expansion point is valid, and it is something that does stand in the way of a Bears return. The argument is that the NRL is stronger if it has a more national footprint – either by a team in Wellington, Hamilton, Perth, Adelaide, Central Queensland or even the Firehawks or Ipswich.

Around the time I wrote the article about the Bears place in the NRL, the Redcliffe Dolphins had just been admitted into the competition at the expense of the Firehawks (Easts Tigers) and the Ipswich Jets.

Now, importantly no one is decrying the Dolphins inclusion. Fans of the sport can see that they bring value. The club has history, money and represents the sizeable populous region of Moreton Bay. In essence, the club deserves its place at the top.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 1994: Mark Soden of the North Sydney Bears offloads the ball during a ARL match played in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Getty Images)

However, I feel for Ipswich, and the Tigers bids as both clubs also have proud histories (the Firehawks as East Tigers), a connection to grassroots and clear pathways to elite levels. All of which demonstrates a solid foundation for entry into the big show. Notably, both clubs have eager and willing supporters, just like the Bears.

At the moment, the debate seems wrong. The planning appears absent. The leadership is lacking. By who? The National Rugby League. Why haven’t they been more forthright with where they want to take the game. I understand that Covid has kept them occupied, but you can only survive for so long. After a while, you want to live; you want to thrive and to do so, you need to dream.

Will the competition expand to 18 teams? Will it ever go to 20? If so, when? What are the criteria for entry? Let the fans and the bidding clubs know.

Ultimately, North Sydney Bears fans are not saying that Ipswich, the Brisbane Firehawks, Perth or a New Zealand team should not compete. They are simply trying to remind everyone that they should never have been booted in the first place and that Justice should rule and they should be the next to enter. If the other clubs with passionate fans come along for the journey, the Bear fans are happy with that too.

Thus, having the Bears or clubs with an active supporter base (that may have been lost to the game) return to the sport is what the NRL should be seeking.