Newcastle v North Sydney
Kurri Sports Ground
Sunday 6th March, 3:00pm
The North Sydney Bears open their 2016 Intrust Super Premiership campaign in Kurri Kurri this Sunday against defending-Premiers, the Newcastle Knights.
Bears coach, Ben Gardiner, named his strongest possible outfit for the clash, with first grade quality players such as Michael Oldfield and Dane Nielsen coming into the side’s outside backs to bolster their stocks. Rabbitohs Charity Shield try-scorer, Ed Murphy, will captain the men in red and black.
The Bears will be looking to get their season started on the right foot after stuttering in the opening rounds of the 2015 Premiership. However following the installation of then-Rabbitohs NYC coach Ben Gardiner to the role behind the Bears’ clipboard – as well as a change-up in personnel – Norths stormed home to make the finals.
The side would ultimately be knocked out in week 1 of proceedings, but a positive platform was laid – one which Gardiner will be looking to build upon with his new look outfit against the reigning champs at Kurri.
With a number of Newcastle’s Premiership winning squad awarded with first grade promotion, the Knights will be a different looking outfit in 2016, and one that is well within the reach of the ambitious Bears.
Stand Above the Rest and become a Member in 2016!
The North Sydney Bears team for Round 1 is:
1) Michael Oldfield
2) Tom Hughes
3) Dane Nielsen
4) Ed Murphy (C)
5) Bernard Gregorius
6) Piki Rogers
7) Eli Levido
8) Jokatama Dokinavalu
9) Brad Dietz
10) Jack Siejka
11) Tulsa Saumamao
12) Patrice Siolo
13) Cheyne Whitelaw
Interchange:
14) Riley Travers
15) Clayton Williams
16) Fred Junior Muala
17) Winstone Asotasi
Coach - Ben Gardiner
