A GUTSY EFFORT IN TRUE BEARS STYLE
Going up against the Penrith Panthers is always a tough game and round 24 at North Sydney Oval delivered an absolute cracker of a battle. Panthers rolled out an NRL top 30 heavy team while the Bears posted a team that included two Ron Massey Cup debuts as well as a number of returning from injury players. After thirteen minutes the black cats started the scoring with a try off a Bears loose carry while tackled trying to escape the try line. The conversion was successful, and the Panthers led 0 – 6. Less than five minutes on, and the Panthers found the white line again to extend the score to 0 – 12. Just after the twentieth minute, we lose big Tepai Moeroa to an HIA and Regan Hughes takes to the field in his place. Undeterred, our Bears know what has to be done and they remain focused on the task. Attacking the line, Jerry Key acting in centre, switches the play to find a ready and charging Matt Stimson who gets the Bears on the board and the hill erupts with cheers. Sharpshooter Kieran Hayman, converts from the sideline and the score sits at 6 – 12. Continuing to keep the opposition from advancing their lead, the Bears are giving this everything with bodies on the line when needed. Four minutes on and Hughes comes off with another HIA incident that marks him as a no return to field and an 11 day stand down period. Havi Tupouniua comes on in replacement but within 60 seconds is taken out with another clash resulting in an HIA. The team are now blowing through our reserves, and we are still only in the first half. Young Caleb Tohi comes on in replacement and the Bears are back on the attack. The ball finds its way to the wing where Allan Fitzgibbon does what he does best to burn the defenders and dive for the line. The cheers from the crowd reverberate around the stands. Another long-range conversion for Hayman, who expertly nails it to level the scores at 12-all. With 8 minutes remaining in the half, we see Moeroa cleared of his HIA and return to the field and where the Bears continue to keep the opposition scoreless as they head to the sheds for half time.
With rain finally clearing, the second half gets under way and the Panthers start off the scoring again with a chip and chase, score 12 – 18. Following less than five minutes later with a kick to the try line, where the black cats say thank you very much to extend their lead 12 – 24. Unfortunately, Tupouniua retains another HIA to not return to play and will now undergo an 11 day stand down period. The Bears need to find something now to get back in the game and from this moment on we see that true Bears spirit go up a gear and put on a display of pure grit and heart. With 20 minutes left on the clock, Ativalu Lisati backs himself, dragging four defenders with him to reach out and ground the ball. Hayman converts and the score edges closer to 18 – 24. Thirteen minutes remain and the Bears activate their 18th man when Tui Katoa is brought off with a leg injury, bringing on Bobby Miller who makes his Bears NSW Cup debut. With only seven minutes left in the game, the Stimson/Key combo gets another work out with Stimson this time getting a neat offload off to a supporting Key who finishes it off. Hayman converts and the scores are leveled at 24 – 24. The crowd are on their feet, excitement levels are high as we will our Bears to go one more. Panthers get three field goal attempts off in a row, but all are either charged down or narrowly missed. The game ends in a draw and the fans breathe a sigh of relief at adding the one point to the tally.
This game showed the Bears effort we have been watching all year. We may not have walked away with a win, but that Panthers side threw everything at our depleted team, and we still found that extra mile to fight back and hang on. Momentum is swinging back, and the Bears are ready for round 25 when we take on the Roosters at Wentworth Park.
Sunday’s game against the Panthers saw the Bears sustain two confirmed HIA’s with Regan Hughes and Havi Tupouniua now under 11-day concussion protocol stand down periods.
We are pleased to have seen the recent returns to the NSW Cup squad of Coby Thomas (knee infection), Trey Peni (hamstring strain) and Jack Boyling (lisfranc). Ben Talty and Josh Bevan have both been named to play this Sunday as long as they get through team training this week.
Phil Makatoa, Nathaniel Roache, Luke Hodge and Israel Ogden are all working well through their rehab programs and are looking towards returns within the next month. We will continue to keep you updated on their progress.
Jake Toby underwent surgery this week on a broken foot that occurred in Round 23 against the Newtown Jets. Surgery was successful and he is looking to commence rehab in the coming weeks. Ben Stevanovic is continuing to rest with his Low-Grade Syndesmosis injury and again, we hope to see him return to the team during the finals series. Riley Meyn is doing very well under his rehab program and well ahead with his progress. We look forward to seeing him back in red & black for the 2025 season.
