The North Sydney Bears Chairman is confident about their bid to return to the NRL as its 18th team.

The Bears were forced out of the NRL in 1999 but are now hoping to return with some home games played in regional NSW.

Chairman Daniel Dickson told Ben Fordham “it’s time”.

“Our fans have been very patient the last 22 years.

“We are a team of the people.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

North Sydney legend Billy Moore told Bill Woods and Caitlin Bassett the Bears are ready to emerge from hibernation.

“I would say it’s been an idea that’s been ticking away for 22 years.”

The Bears propose playing four to six games at North Sydney Oval, but want to differentiate themselves “by engaging the bush”.

“We want to take games to some of the heartland areas of Port Macquarie, Dubbo, Tamworth, the Central Coast.”

Press PLAY below to hear more of the Bears’ proposal