Tough Test Just What
Doctor Ordered For Bears Juniors

?35 degrees against the Premiers ? can?t get a bigger test up front than that,? commented Norths General Manager Greg Florimo as the Bears Harold Matthews squad tested their mental in 1 & half hours of 20-minute quarters against Penrith.

With a possession of 2:1 in favour of Penrith the Bears will head into their next trials with a clear plan of what to improve and work on. ?It came down to simple mistakes: controlling the play, drop ball allowing Penrith to hit back and probably a lack of experience in aggression.

All fixable problems? said Co-coach Kevin Nichols. ?It?s absolutely fixable, we will turn this experience into a positive,? said fellow coach Gary Armstrong.

The SG Ball camp are confident of a competitive year with the under 18 boys at times dominating the Penrith side. An even matched affair till the Penrith club brought on fresh teams to trial, the aggressive and talkative North Sydney side performed admirably against the Panthers.

It was a tough encounter with Norths Brock Harmer being knocked out and a strong performance by John Faletau. But just like that well-known TV show, assistant coach Jamie Papa felt ?there?s room for improvement?. Jamie trained one of the most competitive Bears Premier League sides in a number of years in the 2005 season.

The Bears next trial will be against the Manly Sea Eagles on the 4th
February.

PHOTO: S.G. Balls' John Faletau crossing the line in a extraordinarily tough trial match against Penrith. Photo: Steve Little

For more action photos of the Junior Reps trial against Penrith go here - http://www.northsydneybears.com.au/Photos/Junior%20Reps/20060121vpenrithtr/20060121%20-%20TR%20JR%20V%20Penrith.htm

The North Sydney Rugby League Football Club can be contacted on 9466 8860, by e-mail info@northsydneybears.com.au, or check out the website at
http://www.northsydneybears.com.au.