The announcement was made at the club’s annual general meeting.

Mark is well known in rugby league circles for his dedication to discipline on and off the field as well as having a thorough understanding of all that is required to maintain having a competitive team.

Mark also likes the off field and will provide a harmonious social atmosphere for the club.

He will face a tough hurdle having followed 2008 co-coaches Tim Hughes and Matt Kemp who jointly inherited a very inexperienced group of players and moulded them into a potentially strong team towards the end of the season.

Joining Denley on the coaching staff will be ex-Bears’ utility player and fitness guru, brother Shane Denley, who will assist Mark in fitness and training sessions.

Between the two they will be able to supply a wealth of experience on game days and training sessions.

They are both looking forward to a strong season next year and will begin light training in December-January and welcome any new players to attend.

“I am looking forward to the challenge … I have played a long time with the Bears and played under a lot of good coaches.

“I have picked up a lot of ideas and will be able to put them into practice,” Denley said.

The Bears’ meeting was well attended and the announcement that the 2008 major sponsor will again be Ray and Joy Smith from the Court House Hotel.

Smith stated: “I can see the potential following good end of season performances last year.

“Mark will have a good band of players and I wish them well.”

Ray and Joy have been instrumental in providing an excellent home atmosphere for players and supporters all year and the club is extremely fortunate to have them on board for 2009.

The Bears committee was elected and is: Jeff Dean (president), Greg Smith (vice president), Peter Hughes (junior vice president), Rowena Machin (treasurer) and Bob Martin (secretary) being re-elect-ed unopposed.

Committee members Greg Machin and Julie Martin also were re-elected.

A Christmas party and muster day are already being planned, together with a fundraising auction night (Easter) with details being provided prior to each event.