Along with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Sydney Roosters are the only ‘foundation club’ remaining in the NRL after entering the NSWRL in 1908. The then called Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club were successful from the outset, claiming the first ever ‘threepeat’ of premierships, spanning from 1911 to 1913. The Dally M medal awarded to the league’s best player each year is named after Dally Messenger, who was a dominant centre in this triple-premiership winning team, and regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players.
Another highlight of the tri-colours’ proud history is their back-to-back premiership team of 1974-75, who are regarded as one of the best teams in the history of Rugby League. Coached by ‘Master Coach’ Jack Gibson, and captained by Arthur Beetson, this team were unstoppable, typified by their 38-0 win over St. George in the 1975 Grand Final.
In recent times, the Roosters have been able to maintain their reputation as a stable and successful club, winning consecutive minor premierships from 2013-15 as well as the Grand Final in 2013. However, unlike the Rabbitohs who are regarded as most fans’ second favourite team, the Chooks are almost universally dislike by everyone except their own supporters. This is largely due to a perception of them always having the best players and often exercising their financial strength to buy great teams, rather than develop them over time. However, what can’t be questioned is the Roosters’ ability to put a quality team on the park.
In what is one of the most commendable qualities of the Bondi based club, the Roosters have been able to sustain a strong supporter and membership base despite teams from rival sporting codes being established in the same area. Both the NSW Waratahs rugby franchise and Sydney Swans AFL club play their home games in the Moore Park sporting complex, meaning the Roosters often compete for crowds.
Under astute coach Trent Robinson, the Roosters squad will be looking to add to their list of Premierships and mimic their fearsome team of 1974-5. Most Rugby League fans will be hoping otherwise.
