Message From Bears General Manager Greg Florimo

Dear Bears Fans

Another great year for the club, with a semi finals appearance for the VB Cup side and strong performances in both the SG Ball and Harold Matthews sides.

There have been many stories in the press of late about the Bears reigniting a bid for re entry into the NRL. Well I am happy to report that we are well under way with our attempt to gain re entry as an NRL club. We have formed a committee that has the sole task of building the business plan that will make this possible. We have been up to the Gold Coast and met with Michael Searle to understand how the Titans succeeded with their bid. Michael was able to share with us the intricacies of their plan and how he believes we must approach this very important process. Michael is all for expansion of the current competition and we have his support moving forward.

We have also met with David Gallop and Graham Annesley to advise them of our intent to re submit our bid to the NRL for re entry. David has said that the door for the Bears is not closed and that he is happy for us to present our plan to him in 2009. The NRL have not openly said that they are looking to expand, however we believe that with TV rights being re negotiated in 2012 the opportunity for expansion will become apparent and we want to be ready when this happens.

We are looking for your continued support and we hope that you will all join us in our bid for re entry into the NRL.

The Bears are a foundation club and we will be undertaking various initiatives over the next 12 months that will require your support so get ready to be part of this great and historic journey.

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Greg Florimo General Manager North Sydney District Rugby League Football Club