LITCHFIELD Bears have been the top NRL NT side in recent years, taking out the past two consecutive first-grade titles, but success has not come easy for the rural club which boasts an impressive and ever-loyal fan base.
The Bears went a painful 10 years with no premiership triumphs from 2008 until 2018, following a historic five-peat from 1994 to 1998.
Those title drought years are now long forgotten.
To celebrate its 30th year, the once-again mighty Litchfield club believes it can etch its name on the NRL NT trophy for a third-straight time in 2020, creating another dynasty like the intimidating Bears outfits of the 1990s.
Litchfield coach Jake Barnes has red, black and white flowing through in his veins, first running out in a Bears jersey at under-six level in 1995, before taking up the senior coaching mantle in 2018.
That year Litchfield won its first A-grade title in 10 years.
Proud local junior Barnes showed he indeed has coaching’s Midas touch, with another premiership triumph coming in 2019, helping the club’s parochial fan base move past its barren decade.
Litchfield was so dominant last year, it went on a long unbeaten run throughout the regular season, with just a solitary loss to Palmerston for all of 2019.
But Barnes believes his side was already rediscovering its winning ways prior to its breakthrough 2018 title, and the strong foundations from that year could ensure further success in the coming years.
“It took a lot of hard work and a bit of patience to find that winning formula, but it’s a testament to how great the club is to be a part of that we did,” Barnes told the NT News.
“We were there or thereabouts for a few years before winning the title, but it took a few guys coming in and a shift in mentality before it all came together.
“It was pretty massive for us all to get that win in 2018. It had been 10 years in the wilderness since we won our last in 2008, and it was a great way for me to repay the club’s trust in making me coach.
“A lot of the guys that year were local juniors building on the strong family background our club has and the 2019 title was all about going around again.
“It’s hard work getting to the top but even harder work to stay there. We have a big junior base and a few older heads to guide them to help ensure we stay successful for years to come.”
The club now boasts a strong core contingent of players in A-grade, with multiple Frank Johnson medallists.
Among them is dual Frank Johnson medallist halfback Matt Goodfellow, who became a key component of the side when he joined in 2017.
Long-time captain Luke Mahood has also been a consistent dedicated leader for the side in recent years.
And older heads Aaron Barnes and Jason Tomes have been core team members alongside 2018 pick-up Sam McAuley, who has been another standout for the Bears.
“Going back to a more simple, structured game of league is one of the moves that pushed us towards success,” Barnes said.
“We weren’t always the most disciplined side and that was one of our big focuses, and it really helps us be a strong, defensive side.
“We’re also a really fit side that likes to play quick when we get to. The boys all train hard and do what they need to do each week, and that commitment in training shows in our fitness.
“Palmerston are probably our biggest rivals at the moment and we aim to play our best footy against them. But you can’t underestimate any side because they’re all looking to get the win over us.”
Another big factor in the Fred’s Pass-based club’s success over the past few years has been its loyal supporter and volunteer base.
LIMITED TIME: New NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks
One of the largest followings of all the NRL NT clubs has Litchfield in a privileged position where it can boast strong numbers in all grades.
“It’s such a great club to be a part of with many volunteers having been here for the whole thirty years,” Barnes said.
“There’s a great family and community vibe with a big junior base coming through the grades all the time.
“I don’t think you would find a more loyal group of supporters and volunteers than what we have here, and there are so many people who have given loads to support the club.
“For me it’s just great to be able to repay that loyalty and trust with the results we have earned.”
Barnes remains content with the current state of rugby league in the Aussie rules-mad Northern Territory, but would be interested in the introduction of a limited interchange rule which would benefit the fitter sides such as his.
As for season 2020, Litchfield stormed to early wins over South Darwin and Brothers in the opening two rounds through immense showings in each game’s second half, displaying the fitness and resilience Barnes has instilled in them.
But bitter rivals Palmerston triumphed against the Bears in Round 3 in a tight encounter, meaning complacency does not exist at the club despite its dominance over the past two years.
The Bears returned to winning ways at Weber Park with a huge 56-10 win over Sharks and will be hoping that sets them in good stead for the remainder of the season.
Coming home for Christmas: Darwin man’s Leukaemia battle success
Darwin dentist Mathew Robertson was diagnosed with leukaemia and ended up spending last Christmas in a hospital bed. Now he’s made it through to the other side with a new lease on life.
Down the runway: Every look by Box Hill fashion students in 2024
From designs made out of recycled car parts to intricately woven corsets and breathtaking wedding dresses, here are all the designs by Box Hill Institute fashion students on the runway.