NSW Premier Gives $100,000 to NRL Hopefuls

The NSW Government has given the Central Coast Bears $100,000 to help the former North Sydney team in its bid return to the National Rugby League.

Continuing the trend of Federal Election funding pledges for sport on the NSW Central Coast, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally on Monday announced that the NSW Government would fund the appointment of a strategic business manager for the Bears, to push their case for inclusion in the NRL.

Premier Keneally said in a statement, "the Central Coast is a region in its own right and we think it deserves its own team in the rugby league.

"We're proud to support the people of the Central Coast in their bid to bring back the Bears."

Currently known as the North Sydney Bears, the club was merged with Manly in 2000 to form the Northern Eagles - with aim of basing an NRL team in the growing area.

Manly Sea Eagles retained the NRL license after the failure of the Northern Eagles venture in 2003, the Central Coast was left without an NRL club while the North Sydney Bears are now playing in the second-tier NSW Cup competition.

Earlier this year the Bears established a new base at Erina; secured a major sponsor, launched an interactive website and commenced a membership drive.

They have since signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship with Mortgage House of Australia, which will underwrite the fledgling club's bid for an NRL licence in 2013 and secured the backing of Federal Liberal MP Joe Hockey.

Explaining the move to return the Bears to the NRL Premiership, Chief Executive Greg Florimo explains "there are many compelling reasons for a Central Coast team in the NRL.

"The team will represent a population catchment of over one million people; it has the third largest junior league in NSW, plus a purpose-built playing arena in Gosford - the magnificent Bluetongue Stadium."

Should our politicians be 'porkbarrelling' sports venues and franchises or dealing with serious issues of State? See our blog on the Federal Election at http://ausleisure.blogspot.com/2010/08/leisure-election.html

27th October 2008 - RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP KICKS OFF