Bears officials have confirmed the club has been pledged a $15 million endorsement if they are successful in their bid to become the NRL’s 18th franchise.
North Sydney Bears legend Billy Moore previously revealed the model the club pitched to the NRL, explaining they are preparing to move anywhere in Australia to secure a return to rugby league’s top flight.
With the Dolphins entering the competition in 2023 there’s a need to expand the competition to 18 teams to avoid a bye each week.
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The ARLC are reportedly fans of the Bears’ bid and the new funding has once again impressed according to The Daily Telegraph.
Bears chairman Daniel Dickson said the club were doing all they can to be in a strong financial position ahead of a return to elite rugby league.
“There is a huge amount of corporate support from a sponsorship level,” Dickson said.
“The money is one very big piece of the pie and that has always been a challenge for us but we know now that won’t now be our Achilles heel.
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“It still stays at the forefront of our mind that we want to make sure this bid is not only financially viable but viable for the Bears followers and to have the recipe for what is going to be a successful 18th team.
“That includes the rugby league community, grassroots and development pathways which we feel we will deliver to the game in spades.
“And, most importantly, it’s not just about the money but we have committed individuals with corporate nous who are big fans of the Bears and the club’s history.
“We are preparing everything we need for when the NRL is ready and that we will be a very attractive partner to be a successful 18th team.”
According to Dickson the investors will remain anonymous and funding will only be received once their bid is approved.
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The Bears were excluded from the NRL after the 1999 season and have been unable to return to the top flight.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have struggled to attract top level talent to the club even after appointing Wayne Bennett as head coach.
The club have missed out on a long list of marquee players including Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga.
Moore, who played 211 games for the Bears, believes the club’s bid depends on the success of the Dolphins.
“I think what will happen, that will be predicated on what happens with the Dolphins,” Moore said on the Fox League Podcast.
“If they find it really difficult next year, (the NRL) will know they might have to slow down expansion, but they will need another team before 2027. Write that in stone.”
