The Blayney Bears are going blue and white.
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Not on the field of course, but with a rich heritage of Canterbury players ensconced with the Mortimer family name, the 2018 season opening celebrations are certainly taking on the shape of a Bulldog rather than a Bear.
To prepare the players for what is sure to be an exciting and demanding season, the club will kick-off its 2018 season this Saturday, February 24 with a trial game against the Manildra Rhinos at King George Oval, which will be followed by the season launch at the Blayney Bowling Club from 7.30pm.
The club’s link to Canterbury is obvious through new captain-coach Tim Mortimer, his father Peter having won premierships with the Bulldogs throughout the 1980s.
The Blayney club will throw back to that era during its launch, too, with 1980 grand final star Greg Brentnall to help the Bears kick-off the 2018 season.
Brentnall famously put up the bomb that Steve Gearin grabbed to score a crucial try against the Roosters.
Brentnall will help auction off signed NRL jerseys, including a James Maloney Panthers jumper and a Dogs 2018 team jersey.
Mortimer said the night, beginning at 7.30pm, was open to everyone, especially any avid Canterbury fans.
“Any clubs, players, Dogs fans, if anyone wants to come they’re more than welcome,” the new Bears coach said, enthusiastically.
Cost is $30 and includes a complimentary glass of beer or wine, finger food and entertainment by Robbie and James Mortimer, and can be paid on the night.
Women’s Rugby League matches
Before the men hit the turf at King George Oval at 5.30 though, the women will be taking to the field.
At 3.30pm the open women’s 13-a-side competition match between the Group 10 side and the Group 11 side will start the footy for the day and will be followed by the Group 10 and Group 11 under 18’s tackle 9’s matches.