Roosters set to return to NSW Cup in 2023, ending their relationship with Bears
There’s going to be a lot more red, white and blue in reserve grade next year after the Roosters made a big change to their pathways.
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The Roosters are the latest club to realign their pathways after confirming they’ll field a side in the NSW Cup under the Roosters banner for the first time since 2005.
The Storm recently announced a change to their junior pathways system so that youngsters would play for the Storm rather than the Victoria Thunderbolts as they were previously known in Jersey Flegg and SG Ball.
The Roosters have been using the North Sydney Bears as a feeder club, finishing last season in third place before they were bundled out of the finals in straight sets.
But this decision will bring an end to the four-year affiliation, with the Roosters to provide the Bears with some players next year before the deal formally expires at the end of 2023.
The Roosters will be hoping for more lower-grade success after making the grand final back in 2005, 12 months after they took out their ninth title.
Details of who they play in the opening round are still unclear with the New South Wales Rugby League still finalising the draw.
“While we have enjoyed a successful partnership with the North Sydney Bears, we have notified them that we will be fielding our own team in the 2023 Knock On Effect NSW Cup competition,” general manager of football programs Craig Walker said.
“This is the first time in almost 20 years that the Sydney Roosters jersey will feature in every grade from Harold Matthews through to the NRL, and we believe that this will provide a true pathway for the development of our players through to the NRL.”
Originally published as Roosters set to return to NSW Cup in 2023, ending their relationship with Bears
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