They say a girl never forgets her first love. It was 1992, I was eleven years old and had a crush on North Sydney Bears’ rugby league player, Billy Moore.
That year he debuted for Queensland in the State of Origin, scoring the only try in Maroons 5-4 victory in the second game of the series at Lang Park.
My love for the Bears was ignited.
It was an often one-sided affair, but it was true and real and ended in tragedy. A relationship cut short too early.
Now, like a jilted lover, I remember the good times, cherish the memorabilia and hope one day they will come back into my life.
Bears fans have had it tougher than any others.
It would have been difficult being a Canterbury supporter over the past few years, having your premiership hopes ripped apart for salary cap breaches and the other off-field scandals.
Rabbitohs fans did it tough for a while, and St George supporters are just beggars for punishment as the Dragons continue to fall short.
At least they still have a side in the National Rugby League.
We lost our first-grade team, then had to deal with a merger, and were left high and dry when Manly dropped them (just another reason to dislike the Sea Eagles).
We were then teased into thinking our team could return to the Central Coast, only to be disappointed. And never to be heard of again.
I often say to myself, “it is time to move on?”
I have tried. When the Gold Coast Titans entered the competition, a perfect chance to start afresh presented itself – a new beginning.
I tried in vain to support them, but was swamped with guilt.
Maybe it is still too early. It has only been eight years. Perhaps one day I will forget them and be able to move forward.
We are one of a kind, us Norths supporters.
I can often pick them out on the streets. They have a look in their eye like a neglected mongrel dog – just waiting for their owner to pay them some attention.
Next time you are watching your favourite team, spare a thought for the poor Bears supporters waiting eagerly (our tails wagging) in anticipation for the NRL to look our way.
Love this article? Nominate it for The Roar’s Armchair Sports Writer Award. Or vote now for this week’s nominated articles.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The Wests Tigers have ridden a wave of emotion to break a nine-game losing streak, following news Leichhardt Oval will receive the necessary funding…
All Jojo Fifita had to do was catch the ball and he was over, but the Titans winger dropped it with the line wide…
Wests Tigers have won for the first time since April, shedding a nine-game losing run with an 18-10 victory over the Gold Coast at…
One for the fans. Justin Olam knows how to score tries and how to work a camera, blowing a kiss after sliding over the…
The Titans had a great chance to extend their lead seconds from half-time, after a break from Keano Kini, until he was unable to…
Carter Gordon is one of Australian rugby's finest halves but the young playmaker could find himself in an unfamiliar role after completing his blockbuster…
