Western Bears: North Sydney fan Ben Horne opens up on his team’s resurrection
The Bears might be league’s perennial, trophy-starved underdogs, but this ranks as one of the most incredible comeback stories in the history of Australian sport. And lifelong fan BEN HORNE still can’t quite believe it.
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
“Bears are in!”
These were the words I’ve longed to hear for 25 years, and they finally flashed up on my phone via a text message from my sports editor on Friday afternoon.
I couldn’t believe it. And I still can’t.
Even though a partnership between Perth and the Bears has been mooted now for the past couple of months, it just seemed too impossible to be true.
That a team dead – but not buried – for a quarter of a century could return to the NRL once more.
The Bears might be league’s perennial, trophy-starved underdogs, but this ranks as one of the most incredible comeback stories in the history of Australian sport.
My first emotion writing this, is just immense gratitude to one man – Greg Florimo.
Others have taken a more prominent role in making this WA partnership happen, and well done to them, but without ‘Flo’ as the glue holding the place together through so many false dawns, this miracle would never have been possible.
Florimo is North Sydney’s George Piggins, and red and black supporters everywhere are in his debt for selflessly dedicating himself to a cause that appeared hopeless for so long.
This is a landmark day for the Bears, but the most important pillar in this bold new partnership is that this will be Perth’s team. Bears fans should want them to feel complete ownership of this side, but feel the fibre and soul that 116 years of history and tradition can bring.
So what if there’s a flash of yellow on the jersey? This is a small concession when it’s been 25 years in the wilderness – and it’s only right, because this is Western Australia’s team.
The first derby rematch against Manly will be something to savour, whether that’s at North Sydney Oval or Allianz Stadium.
Bears fans – let’s get out to North Sydney Oval on Sunday afternoon for the Bears’ clash against Newtown and celebrate something even sweeter than a premiership – and that’s new life.
More Coverage
Originally published as Western Bears: North Sydney fan Ben Horne opens up on his team’s resurrection
Buzz’s top-50 NRL players for 2024: Four millionaires miss the cut
Phil Rothfield’s Top 50 NRL players for 2024 is littered with the game’s highest paid players, but four million-dollar men from the Rich 100 failed to make the cut. See the full Top 50 and have your say.
What Seibold’s revival says about ‘cursed’ Broncos coaching role
“It’s you not us’’ was the cry when Anthony Seibold was effectively shown the door in Brisbane. Maybe, ROBERT CRADDOCK writes, it was the Broncos all along.
Buzz: Proof NRL’s high tackle ‘crackdown’ denial is a load of rubbish
The NRL hates us using the word crackdown, but there is no denying the cold, hard facts. PHIL ROTHFIELD reveals the sharp spike in sin-bins for high tackle offences.
Matty Johns: Cleary crutch exposes flaws in Panthers’ game plan
One of the keys to Penrith’s great success has been dealing with the loss of Nathan Cleary for stints before finals. MATTY JOHNS reveals why, in 2024, the halfback’s absence is exposing hidden cracks.
Latrell has two choices – one of them is the sack
South Sydney have backed Latrell Mitchell to the hilt - often at their own expense - but their patience has now worn thin. The superstar must repay their faith or head to the farm for good, writes BRENT READ.
Revealed: Bulldogs secretly assembling dossier of referee blunders
Canterbury are frustrated with Gerard Sutton, and while they won’t publicly slam the referee, some at the club are keeping a dossier of his alleged blunders during Bulldogs matches.