Bears seek support act from Kidman

Adrian Proszenko | June 14, 2009

FIRST there was Russell Crowe.

And now the Central Coast Bears have revealed plans to get some Hollywood backing of their own by approaching fellow Australian actor Nicole Kidman to become a private investor in the franchise.

The North Sydney Bears are attempting to rejoin the NRL as a Central Coast side in Gosford and have taken several important steps to turn the plan into reality. But the impending approach to screen siren Kidman is their most audacious and could set them up financially for reintroduction into the league.

The timing couldn't be any better, either. The Bears have only recently produced a pitch document to take to potential investors and the code is celebrating the contribution of women to rugby league with a series of events and promotions.

Bears chief executive Greg Florimo insisted the approach to Kidman was not a publicity stunt, claiming he was serious about getting the Australia star on board.

"It is a serious approach, we want to take the proposal to Nicole," Florimo told The Sun-Herald.

"We're not just saying it because it sounds good, there is merit in it.

"We'd like Nicole to take an equity stake in the business.

"It will give her a certain amount of presence in Australia linked to a home-grown sporting identity.

"She's a product of the North Shore, she went to school at North Sydney Girls High School and there's a distinct link to the territory.

"We'd think there would be plenty of cross-promotional opportunities.

"We see Nicole playing a role with her various links to movies, charities and organisations with what we're doing with the Central Coast Bears."

Crowe became the first Hollywood celebrity to invest in the NRL when he and co-owner Peter Holmes a Court took over South Sydney in 2006. They spent $3 million for a 75 per cent stake in the club, with Crowe taking on a hands-on role in the running of the Rabbitohs. Not only does Crowe attend as many games as his filming commitments permit, the Oscar-winner has even helped to close the deal on several marquee signings.

While Crowe and Kidman have never starred on screen together, they are good friends. Crowe joked his son Tennyson was destined to marry Kidman's daughter, Sunday Rose, when the toddlers met for the first time last year.

"I think Russell will give her some truths about [club ownership] and there might be a nice rivalry where they can play off each other," Florimo said. "Hopefully we can bring a bit more Hollywood into the game."

It might not be the only rivalry should Kidman decide to become involved with the club. Her ex-husband, Tom Cruise, is one of several celebrities lending their support to Souths at the urging of Crowe. And although the Bears venture incorporates North Sydney and the Central Coast, there was no love lost between Souths and the Norths during their time in the game.

Kidman often tops Hollywood rich lists and commands more than $15 million per movie. And with a relatively small investment she could own her own piece of sporting history - and play a starring role in its future.

"We're looking to set up a time with her management so we can put a formal proposal to her," Florimo said. "We'd appreciate an opportunity to show her what we can offer.

"We're also talking to a couple of other groups at present and, while the economic climate isn't great, we're getting some decent bites.

"People are keen to talk to us about this venture."