Sport
14 June, 2024
Beagles and Bear-Lions prove that footy trumps club rivalries
Facing a shortage of players in two age groups, Oakey Bears JRL have combined with Newtown Lions and Highfields Eagles to give young players a chance to play.
Mergers are usually something that happen for long-established clubs and tend to be permanent - think St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers or the Souths Logan Magpies.
But for one season only, the Oakey Bears are combining with the Highfields Eagles and the Newtown Lions.
With the support of Bears Junior President Shane Williamson, the clubs have joined forces and designed a new jersey to represent both clubs in an equal fashion.
The Under 16s team features players from both Highfields and Oakey teams.
Coach Connal Clifford, from the Eagles, says the clubs have worked together to pull it off, shuttling players between towns.
“At the start of the season, our numbers were pretty poor,” he said.
“We approached the TJRL and they said you need x amount of numbers.
“(Club Presidents) Dave Collins and Shane Williamson started talking to each other and we put to each side and went ahead with it.
“The boys find the Beagles name cool.”
