Sydney Roosters Statement

The Sydney Roosters Chairman, Mr Nick Politis and two legends of the Bondi Junction club Luke Ricketson and Brad Fittler have issued a joint statement to Roosters fans and critics alike.

The Sydney Roosters have been attacked in the media from a variety of angles about their disappointing performance in 2005 and 2006.

Chairman, Nick Politis was first to throw his support behind the club ?I have been heavily involved with the Roosters from the 1970?s through to today, during that time we have had good and bad times.

?The Sydney Roosters have a 99 year history and we are now going through a disappointing period following three great years which saw 3 consecutive grand final appearances, culminating with the premiership in 2002, a minor premiership in 2004, along with the Club Championship, Jersey Flegg and Premier League titles.

?The Sydney Roosters thrive on loyalty and support of each other during difficult periods. Contrary to some ill-informed comments, I re-confirm Ricky Stuart and his coaching team have our full support.

?These are not just words, these are facts and we owe Ricky and the players, so much for our success during 2002, 2003 and 2004. He is the best man for the job and with his passion he will turn things around on the field.

?We are going through a tough time and the players need to improve, but we are a unified club and we will all pull through this together?.

Club legend, Brad Fittler, who retired in 2004 was quick to support Ricky Stuart. ?Ricky has an unbelievable work ethic and the coaching staff, players and officials are sticking solid during a difficult period.

?A club doesn?t turn-up every year to play for 99 years without having built a strong soul and sense of camaraderie.?

Luke Ricketson, a local junior who played over 300 first grade games for the Roosters was angered by stories of dissent amongst the players ?I still mix with the players socially and at club events and I can assure you there is no ill feeling. The only thing that is happening in the club is the frustration over our lack of success on the field. Players are trying their hearts out, they are good guys who get on well and it really angers me when people take words out of context to criticise them and indicate they don?t get on well.

?Anyone who wants to say the Sydney Roosters players aren?t good mates on and off the paddock, simply doesn?t know them.?

The final words should be left to Chairman Nick Politis, ?In this club?s 99 year history we have had many good times and bad times, currently we are all disappointed with the team?s performance. The reason you survive so long as a club is that we stick together through thick and thin. I say to all our fans. Stick solid because next year is going to be one of the most exciting years that any club has experienced as we move into our 100th season celebrations.

?To our critics, good luck, you can criticise us as much as you want but you will not divide the Roosters. We have been around too long, we know each other too well and we stick solid on and off the field?.