Bears to take games ‘home’
THE Bears could play two historic matches at North Sydney Oval – one possibly against old foes Manly – early next year if successful in buying the Gold Coast Titans.
The NRL is expected to seek expressions of interest in the sale of Gold Coast as early as next week.
The Bears are ready to pounce – and they may bring NRL footy back to North Sydney Oval sooner than you think.
Gold Coast will be kicked out of their home ground at Robina, Cbus Super Stadium for rounds three to six next season due to the Commonwealth Games.
That equates to two home matches. If they become the successful bidder, the Gold Coast Bears could relocate those two home games to North Sydney Oval.
And the Bears would likely ask the NRL to play a nostalgic match against Manly at Bear Park. Should the Bears be trumped, Gold Coast would open talks with the Queensland Government about taking those two games to regional centres.
Gold Coast – under pressure after sacking coach Neil Henry this week – is ready to be put up for sale.
The Bears believe they have prepared a convincing bid ready to submit. They would take one or two games to their spiritual home, North Sydney Oval, each season.
Titans director and businessman Darryl Kelly is also pursuing the Gold Coast licence while there is reportedly a third consortium showing considerable interest.
The NRL won’t place a financial figure on the club with consortiums to be asked how they can run and sustain the financially troubled club longterm. It would take around $10 million to ensure sustained viability.
Norths believe there are 750,000 to one million fans – living on Sydney’s north shore and the NSW central coast – who would instantly be Gold Coast Bears fans.
Research shows these fans are desperate to reintegrate into a top-flight rugby league club. The Bears’ bid has the necessary finances, history and support.
Kelly first saved the Titans five years ago by personally investing $5 million. There would be a concern about changing Gold Coast’s brand again but the red and black of the Bears carries historical clout.
Gold Coast have previously been known as the Seagulls, Giants, Gladiators and Chargers. The Bears claim to have the cash and resources to make Gold Coast work.