One of The Intrust Super Premiership’s fiercest rivalries will be renewed this Sunday at North Sydney Oval, when the North Sydney Bears take on north-side rivals, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in what promises to be a classic encounter.
Now the Rabbitohs feeder team at the game’s second tier level, the Bears are a proud Foundation Club, formed in 1908 alongside South Sydney and enjoy a long tradition of success at North Sydney Oval. For current Bears coach and his men, this Sunday’s clash against the Sea Eagles will be another chapter in a long and illustrious rivalry both on and off the field.
“It’s one of the game’s great rivalries obviously because of their proximity geographically, but there’s just so much history as well,” said Gardiner.
“There’s the Northern Eagles merger that didn’t last that ultimately meant that the Bears identity went missing for a time. Since then, we’ve built back up and we now play a significant role in South Sydney’s structures in the NSW Cup – or ISP as it’s now known.
“Because of the rivalry though, this weekend shapes as a huge game for us, the Club and fans alike.
Click here to see North Sydney’s line-up for this Sunday’s game.
“One of the things I really emphasise with our group is that we respect our history and we build to the future, so we all know that history, the players buy into it and are ready for a great game of footy.”
Gardiner urged as many Rabbitohs Members and supporters to head out to North Sydney Oval to experience watching a game at one of the code’s oldest serving venues, and with activations aplenty taking place around the footy, there’s plenty of reasons to be there and cheer on the boys.
“There’ll be rides, extra food stands, and a massive kick for cash,” said Gardiner.
“Someone’s going to be given the chance to kick for $10,000 on Sunday. That went off last year so it’s a great opportunity for fans to get involved and watch a great game of footy in the process.
“We’d love to see as many people as possible out there on Sunday to cheer on the boys and really see what we’ve been doing.
“It’s a special ground to be playing at and a real experience.”
The North Sydney Bears will take on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles this Sunday at North Sydney Oval, with kick-off slated for 3pm.
