Sharks on the move for new club

SIZEABLE interest is already growing for a new rugby league club in Geelong after several failed attempts in previous years, but this time around may be different.

A group of rugby enthusiasts and past players have begun the early proceedings to form the Geelong Sharks Rugby League Club.

Led by former Geelong player Michael Bakker, the Sharks will emerge in time for the 2023 campaign with two senior men’s sides, a women’s side, and junior teams in the under 12s, under 14s and under 16s age brackets.

“I only did my initial social post last weekend and within days I had people ringing me and texting me about this club,” Bakker said.

“It’s just overwhelming that so many people are wanting to play rugby league, most of which didn’t even know there was rugby union in Geelong already.

“It’s plain to see there is a need here in Geelong for rugby league.”

There have been several attempts to establish a rugby league side in the region.

Geelong Bulldogs were established in 1991 at Osborne Park but the side went defunct two years later.

Eleven years later, the Geelong Tiger Snakes were formed and lasted until 2010. The Tiger Snakes were renamed the Raiders and folded again in 2012.

Bakker is hopeful the Sharks don’t meet a similar fate.

“It’s hard to not be optimistic because there is so much interest in this already,” Baker said.

“There is a possibility that another club could arise out of this in addition to the Sharks.

“There’s a free-flowing effect here and we’re really excited about it.”

Geelong Sharks is investigating the feasibility of setting up a ground at Howard Glover Reserve in East Geelong.

All interested players are encouraged to reach out to the club at [email protected] to find out more.