Family photo discovery like a Bears hug from the past
The news the Bears are being readmitted to the NRL has triggered a raft of powerful emotions for their devoted and long-suffering fans, demonstrating the power of sporting teams to unite families and create cherished memories, writes Lisa Mayoh.
Lisa Mayoh
2 min read
May 2, 2025 - 5:00AM
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My Dad was a huge North Sydney Bears supporter. One of those unwavering, diehard fans with all the gear, memories of team greats Jason Taylor, Billy Moore and Greg Florimo, and guilty of spreading their famed black, red and white as far as the eye can see – even though they haven’t played in the NRL for 26 years.
That passion flowed down to my brother Vinny, who was, of course, sent a million stories from friends when news broke last week that the Bears were coming back – prayers answered for so many (even if they’ll play in Perth, not down the road).
When he opened the first story, the main picture was the iconic shot of Florimo’s last game at North Sydney Oval, arms in the air as fans scream, wave and take photos of the moment as it went down in history.
Lisa Mayoh’s dad takes a photo of Greg Florimo farewelling fans at North Sydney Oval as Lisa’s brother Vinny (left of Florimo’s left arm) looks on in awe.
Then, my brother zoomed in. Not only is he in the photo as a little boy (looking up in awe under Florimo’s left arm, in case you want to zoom in, too) but so is our Dad, who is standing in the crowd taking his own photo of the moment with an old school disposable camera. It’s a famous photo and one we’ve all seen a million times, but on the same day we find out the Mighty Bears are back – “the greatest day in 100 years” according to Moore – we discover that my family’s presence was there all along.
It’s especially poignant for us to find now, after Dad passed away. When he died unexpectedly after a short illness, Vinny took over Dad’s pizza place (Pizza D’Oro at St Leonards for the proud sister plug – tell him I sent you) and lovingly gave it a refresh in honour of Dad. Naturally, Norths jerseys line the walls and their signature colours are all over the joint.
Florimo was a popular player who has fought hard for the Bears to be returned to the NRL. (Photo by Getty Images)
But for us, the connection is so much more than a sports team. It’s a shared passion; a moment in time we cherish. So while the happy coincidence made us feel like we’d won the grand final, I also realised the important part sport can play in our lives. Our nine-year-old has recently gotten into going to NRL games with his dad, and they both love it: the buzz, the excitement, the thrill of the game. Experiencing it together, as my brother did with our Dad, as he does with his own girls now.
We love reliving those special memories with the next generation, who hopefully will do the same for their kids. Maybe for you it’s taking your nieces to cheer on the Swifts or the Sydney Kings help you relive your youth. Or perhaps the AFL is your thing. Whatever your passion, it’s gold. All of it.
Oh – and up the mighty Bears!