Central Coast Bears’ general manager Greg Florimo says a new venture between the Newcastle Knights and Central Coast Country Rugby League will not impact the club’s attempt to join the NRL.

“The Central Coast bears will still be forging ahead with plans to be admitted into the NRL in 2013,” he says.

Up until the end of last season Central Coast Country Rugby League had a partnership with the NRL’s Melbourne Storm which provided promising young players a pathway to their first grade side. This season the NRL super club will launch their own team in the NSW Cup.

Now the Central Coast Crusaders in the NSW Cup and the Entrance Tigers in the Bundaberg Red Cup will act as feeder clubs for the Newcastle Knights.

The Crusaders will be selected from elite local players and those contracted to the Knights who are not involved in the NRL.

“While we are very happy there is a pathway for the junior talent on the Central Coast, we are disappointed we could not reach an agreement with the division to support their junior programs," Florimo says.

“However the rugby league community will benefit from the addition of those teams on the coast and the Central Coast Bears are supporting rugby league on the Coast.”

The Central Coast Bears’ official club launch will be hosted this Friday at Erina.

Hosted by Mike Munro the event will unveil their new Central Coast headquarters, welcome major business partner – Mortgage House, launch an interactive website and commence the club’s membership drive.

Image source: www.redandblackarmy.com.au