The Perth Bears’ plan to play a historic trial match at North Sydney Oval in late February has hit a roadblock, with Cricket NSW reportedly uninterested in a proposal to reschedule the remaining fixtures, according to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald’s Danny Weidler.
The Bears, the NRL’s newest team, had hoped to play at the ground their fans consider a spiritual home, North Sydney Oval. Negotiations between the club, the NRL, Cricket NSW and the local council have been going on for weeks, and Cricket NSW has shut down talks with the Bears, Weidler reports.
The Bears cannot play NRL premiership matches at the venue because it is not fit for the NRL, but they aimed to play a trial in late February.
According to the report, the NRL held a meeting with Cricket NSW, which said some Sydney grade cricket matches would need to be rescheduled to accommodate the trial. The cost to remove the cricket pitch and replace it afterward would be close to $200,000, the report states.
The machinery used to relocate the pitch is based in Adelaide and requires a specialist team, with the operation taking five weeks. The Bears and the NRL think it would be reasonable to reschedule the remaining fixtures, avoiding a return trip by the crew from Adelaide to Sydney; Cricket NSW has shut down talks, Weidler writes.
The column notes Cricket NSW was approached for comment.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- A successful trial would be a symbolic homecoming for the Bears’ long-standing fan base and a promotional boost for the NRL’s newest team.
- The dispute highlights the scheduling pressures facing multi-sport venues and the challenge of accommodating emerging teams.
- The outcome could set a precedent for how North Sydney Oval is used in future seasons.
Background
The Perth Bears are a revived franchise entering the NRL in the 2027 season. North Sydney Oval is the former home of the North Sydney Bears, which merged with Manly in 2000. The ground is currently managed under a contract between Cricket NSW and North Sydney Council. It is not NRL-standard for premiership matches, so the trial would be a one-off event.
Key Perspectives
Perth Bears: Want to play a trial match at North Sydney Oval in late February, arguing the impacted grade cricket fixtures could be rescheduled and moved to other grounds.
Cricket NSW: Has shut down talks with the Bears, citing the need to reschedule grade matches and the cost of about $200,000 to remove and reinstall the pitch.
NRL: Supports the trial and had met with Cricket NSW to try to reach an agreement, according to the report.
What to Watch
- Whether Cricket NSW revisits negotiations or offers alternative terms.
- Who would bear the estimated $200,000 cost of moving and restoring the pitch.
- If the trial is blocked, where the Bears might instead hold their historic return match.