EXPERIENCED campaigners and emerging talents - those are the ingredients which have helped make the North Sydney Bears a force in the Presidents Cup and the favourites for Sunday's match with the Western Rams.
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And with one of those emerging talents, halfback Toby Westcott, there will come some local knowledge for the round seven match at Carrington Park.
An Orange CYMS graduate, Westcott has linked with the Bears this season, marking his return to the club he represented in the 2014 Harold Matthews Cup.
In the six years since he was last a Bear Westcott first took up a three-year deal with Penrith before linking with the Raiders. He was a member of Canberra's Jersey Flegg Cup outfit which made last year's grand final.
He switched to the Bears hoping to make their starting side for the 2020 Canterbury Cup and while COVID-19 saw that competition cancelled, North Sydney was then given the chance to play in the Presidents Cup.
Westcott has been the Bears starting halfback in their last three matches and will again wear the number seven against the Rams.
"He came to us via Canberra, he played in the Canberra Jersey Flegg side last year and was looking for an opportunity to come to Sydney and joined us last November," Bears coach Jason Taylor said.
"He trained with us in the pre-season then everything got shutdown and yeah, he's done a really good job for us over the last few weeks.
"I'm sure he will be excited about the opportunity to play in Bathurst. His family have been really supportive of him and his career and they are really supportive of the Bears and enjoying their time with us.
"We've got a lot of young guys in our team now and they are saying it is so much faster than anything they are used to. It's been really good for us to have the opportunity to bring some young guys into our team, but also still have a few of our experienced guys who are really leading the way for the others and showing them the ropes."
Kick off on Sunday is at 2pm and Taylor said there will be plenty of Bears merchandise available so fans can 'wear the bear'
Those who plan to attend must purchase a ticket.
