The iconic North Sydney Oval is set to light up on Sunday as fans are being urged to “Fill the Hill” in a vital VB NSW Cup fixture for both clubs.
A venue filled with rich history and tradition, the illustrious hill, from where thousands of fans flocked to watch the likes of Jason Taylor, Peter Jackson and Greg Florimo run around, will light up once again as North Sydney look to climb into the top-eight.
Club legend Florimo has advised fans to turn out in numbers, calling on a big show of support from the North Sydney faithful to get behind them against the Magpies.
“It looks sensational when it’s full. It’s a great backdrop for the players and they certainly enjoy having a good crowd turning up,” Florimo said.
“You can’t ask for a better afternoon than sitting on the hill in the sunshine, watching your kids running around and riding on their scooters, watching a great game of footy.
“That sort of picturesque aspect, the picket fence, the heritage stand, it all adds to the experience.
“Even though we don’t have anymore NRL matches played there, a number of the NRL players end up turning up. On any given day you can see Greg Inglis or George Burgess at North Sydney Oval because they enjoy the experience so much.”
Both teams have vastly improved in the past month, with the Bears recording just one loss since round nine, going for three wins and two thrilling draws against Mounties in that period.
Bears coach Ben Gardiner echoed the sentiments regarding the historic venue. “We’re trying to get as many people there as we possibly can whether they’re new or old fans or just fans who want to get out on a Sunday to enjoy themselves on the hill,” Gardiner said.
“It’s like in the NRL, where the more people you get at the ground with the more noise and support, whether it’s heckling or yelling or people barracking for you, it just gives you a rise because you know there are people there rooting for the same game as you are.”
