After a horrible 2014 that saw the side win just two games all season, the North Sydney Bears are focused on the future.
A new-look roster is determined to do better in 2015, and the turnover at the club is at the very least expected to bring a new level of enthusiasm into the side.
“Looking at the squad, the rest of the coaching staff and I are very happy with the position we are in and what players we have secured for the 2015 season,” Bears coach Wayne Lambkin said.
“Over the past six months we’ve worked really hard on recruitment having added some great strength to our squad. We have two trial matches coming up against the Newtown Jets and Illawarra Cutters where the players and staff are really excited to play some footy and see where we stand. We’re really excited about the upcoming season and can’t wait to be a stronger force in the 2015 VB NSW Cup.”
Bears Football Operations Manager Brent Pigram paid special tribute to departing outside back Curtis Johnston.
“Johnston will be sorely missed at the Bears and has always been an important part of our team. He’s been at the Bears since junior reps and was one of the few players to player over 100 games in the VB NSW Cup for the Bears,” Pigram said.
“We wish him all the best with his new challenge and opportunity in the Q Cup and hope he can finally crack the top grade.”
GAINS: Brad Wall (Souths Under-20s), Dane Chang (Brisbane East Qld Cup), Elliot Gorman (Souths Under-20s), Fred Jones Mauala (Parramatta Under-20s), Jack Gosiewski (Souths Under-20s), Latrell Schaumkel (Manly Under-20s), Matt Mulcahy (Wentworthville), Matt Hyland (Souths), Michael Ross (Blacktown), Nathaniel Neale (Souths), Nikko Roberts (Brisbane East Qld Cup), Ofa Felila (Souths Under-20s), Trent Jennings (West Tigers Under-20s), Jordan Abouhaidar (Auburn)
LOSSES: Brad Lupi (MacKay Cutters Qld Cup), Curtis Johnston (Redcliff Dolphins Qld Cup), Joe Uluibau (released), John Kite (released), Jordan Worboys (Newcastle), Kane Morgan (released), Kurt Aldridge (Manly), Mark O’Dare (released), Neccrom Areaiiti (released), Nick Hedley (released), Steven Tavita (Mounties), Tarek El Masri (released), Tui Paiaaua (released).
