 The clubs perennial bad luck still showed though as the Bears failed at the last hurdle (Preliminary Final), therefore failing to make the Grand Final, on three occasions (1994, 1996 and 1997), falling to the eventual premiers Canberra and Newcastle in 1994 and 1997, while losing to runners-up St George in 1996.Gary Larson was sent off in the 1994 Preliminary final against the Canberra Raiders for a dangerous tackle on Raiders second-rower David Furner.According to most experts, it was this send-off which cost Larson selection on the 1994 Kangaroo Tour.