A new partnership has today been announced between the Sydney Roosters and North Sydney Bears.
The agreement between the Foundation Clubs, which is for five seasons beginning in 2019, will see the Bears assume the status as the official feeder club to the Roosters NRL side in the NSW Intrust Super Premiership (ISP) competition.
"We are delighted to form this new partnership with fellow Foundation Club, the North Sydney Bears," said Easts Group CEO Scott Bennetts.
"Like the Roosters, the Bears boast a proud history, and both Clubs share a number of values centred around the development and transition of players to compete at the highest level," he added.
The formation of this partnership will also see Roosters Assistant Coach and former North Sydney Bears player Jason Taylor assume the role of Head Coach of the North Sydney Bears NSW ISP side, commencing in 2019.
"We are in the fortunate position of being able to lean not only on Jason's experience as a coach, but also his intricate knowledge of and passion for both Clubs, and everyone at the Roosters is looking forward to working with Jason and the team at the Bears to ensure sustained success for both our organisations in the coming years," said Mr Bennetts.
Speaking about his new appointment, Jason Taylor said: "The Roosters and Bears are two strong Clubs, so the formation of this new partnership is really exciting for both organisations.
"Both the Bears and the Roosters are in my DNA, so I'm looking forward to taking on the role of North Sydney's Head Coach on the back of this new partnership between the Clubs," he added.
Welcoming the partnership, North Sydney Bears Chairman, Perry Lopez, said: "Not only are we delighted to be entering into this new partnership with the Sydney Roosters, but we are thrilled to also have one of the Bears' favourite sons in Jason Taylor returning to the Club.
"In addition to assuming the role of Head Coach of the Bears NSW ISP Cup side, Jason will also be responsible for the development and delivery of all coaching programs at the Bears, while also being the primary link between the Bears and Roosters to ensure the on-going development and preparedness of players, as well as the seamless transition of the young men moving between the grades," he added.
