The South Sydney Rabbitohs and North Sydney Bears played in the first game of Rugby League on 20 April 1908, and now 110 years later the two Foundation Clubs will take centre stage at Central Coast Stadium this Saturday, 21 April 2018.
The North Sydney Bears will take on Mounties at 12.45pm on Saturday as a curtain raiser to the NRL fixture between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canberra Raiders at 3pm.
Both Club’s will celebrate their proud 110-year histories at the game and both clubs are encouraging their Members and supporters to turn out in big numbers to get behind their teams.
“We’re honoured to be celebrating our 110th anniversary of our first game alongside the Bears this weekend,” Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said.
“And to be doing so at Central Coast Stadium is very special in itself considering the history both clubs have in the area.
“We played the Umina Bunnies in 2001 the day after the Federal Court adjudicated that we were wrongly exiled from the competition, and our Club was able to celebrate that court victory with the community in Gosford.
“About 10% of our Members live on the Central Coast, this will be our 14th NRL game played at Central Coast Stadium, I grew up on the Central Coast, and this is truly a Rugby League stronghold.
“The Bears have a strong connection with the region as well with their involvement with the Stadium and the Central Coast Bears NRL bid, so there’s no better way for these two proud clubs to celebrate this milestone than with this game in Gosford on Saturday.”
North Sydney Bears General Manager, Greg Florimo, said: “This is an historic occasion for both clubs and to be able to celebrate this milestone with the people of the Central Coast is fantastic.
“Our Club has a long history with the Central Coast and to see the red and black return to Central Coast Stadium this weekend is something very special for our Club, our Members and our fans.
“Our partnership with South Sydney extends to ten years this year so it is fitting that we get to celebrate 110 years of history together.
“I urge all Bears fans, Rabbitohs fans and supporters of Rugby League to get along to Saturday’s game and show your support for the sport on the Central Coast.”
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have signed a three year deal with Central Coast Stadium to bring one premiership game a year to the Central Coast.
Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said the Rabbitohs confirming games was a big boost for the Stadium and the Central Coast.
“We have a legion of Rugby League supporters here and a strong Rabbitohs following here on the Coast and we expect to see them out in droves for the game this Saturday,” Cr Smith said.
“I am sure they will be pleased to know Rabbitohs games will become a fixture for the Stadium.
“Council will continue to invest in upgrades to the Stadium to ensure it continues to attract big name sporting and cultural events for our community to enjoy.”
Mr Solly added.
“We have a three-year agreement with Central Coast Council to bring NRL games to Central Coast Stadium and we look forward to renewing our connection with the region.”
Tickets for the 110-year anniversary game at Central Coast Stadium this Saturday are available from Ticketek by visiting www.ticketek.com.au, calling 132 849 or by visiting any Ticketek outlet.
Gates at Central Coast Stadium will open at 12.30pm, the Intrust Super Premiership match between the Bears and Mounties will kick off at 12.45pm and the NRL clash between the Rabbitohs and the Raiders will commence at 3pm.
