ROYAL BLUE RISING: NEWTOWN MARCHES ON NORTH SYDNEY OVAL

All roads lead to North Sydney Oval this Sunday for the opening leg of the Frank Hyde Shield — one of the great fixtures on the rugby league calendar.

The Bears and Jets share a rare mix of fierce rivalry and deep respect as foundation clubs. Whenever these two lock horns, the occasion carries history, pride, and a little extra electricity.

Sunday’s clash shapes as another cracking encounter. Norths (3rd) and Newtown (4th) sit locked on 24 competition points, separated only by for-and-against. After a blazing start to the season, the Bears have stumbled with back-to-back losses and will be desperate to steady the ship at home.

Our Men All Dressed in Blue come in fresh off the bye, still hunting consistency. Too often this year a hard-earned W has been followed by an L. Against the Roosters we were superb for 76 minutes — flying out to a 30–0 lead — before conceding two late tries. The lesson is clear: we’ll need an 80-minute performance to take the points at Bear Park.

With form teams like the Bulldogs, Raiders, and Magpies breathing down our necks, these two points matter. A win here isn’t just a statement — it’s a stabiliser for the run home.

So, let’s go, Bluebags. Bear Park is the place to be this Sunday. Wear the royal. Bring the noise. Stand tall for the oldest club in the game.

See you there.

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