20 September 2024

By Hannah Wilcox

North Sydney Bears are in for their second consecutive Grand Final appearance in this year’s Knock On Effect NSW Cup.

Topping the leaderboard at the conclusion of the normal season, the Bears went up against the Newtown Jets in the Major Semis at Leichhardt Oval last Sunday.

After a nail biting 80 minutes – and successful scoring by back rower Matt Stimson, five-eighth Ben Stevanovic and Ben Talty – the league winners took home the win 16 to 18.

Kieran Hayman added to the points by converting all three kicks. 

The Bears held possession for a little under half the game, racking up a 66 percent completion rate. 

With a bye this weekend, they will now be fast tracked to play in the Grand Final – set to be held at 3pm on September 29 at Commbank Stadium. 

Meanwhile, Canberra Raiders will take on the Jets at 1pm on Saturday in the Preliminary Finals with the winner to face off against the Bears and a chance at taking out the title.