LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The North Sydney Bears were unable to clinch victory in the NSW Cup Grand Final, despite being crowned Minor Premiers.
The game took place at CommBank Stadium and ended in a 22-18 defeat against rivals, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Bears put up a brave fight, leading the match with just five minutes left on the clock.
However, their efforts were in vain as they suffered a heartbreaking loss.
The thrilling contest featured a total of seven tries and 40 points.
The Bears opened the scoring in the fifth minute, thanks to winger Alfred Smalley.
However, South Sydney's Shaquai Mitchell quickly responded with a try of his own.
Jesse Marschke then executed a brilliant solo effort to restore North Sydney's lead.
But Souths' Ethan O'Neill ensured the scores were level at 12-apiece going into halftime.
The Rabbitohs started the second half stronger, with Tom Carr scoring a try in the 51st minute.
However, the Bears fought back, with Reuben Porter sliding over in the 68th minute to give his team a narrow 18-16 lead.
Despite their courageous efforts, the Bears ultimately fell short, leaving the Grand Final with a bitter defeat.