Description
NRL – Sydney Roosters – History In The Making Limited Edition Print – Signed Brad Fittler
The Sydney Roosters boast a unique record in Australian Rugby League; they are the only club to have played every premiership season since 1908 and are the only club to win more than 1,000 games.
Established in January 1908, the Sydney Roosters (or Eastern Suburbs as they were originally known) have fielded a host of players who are household names in rugby league. The game’s first superstar, Dally Messenger, was a product of the club as were legendary stars such as Dave Brown and Ray Stehr.
Easts contested the first premiership final in 1908, a 14-12 loss to South Sydney. With Messenger showing the way, the Tricolours became the first club to win three successive titles in 1911, 1912 and 1913.
Further success came in 1923 before a remarkable build-up of talent in the 1930s allowed the club to break South Sydney’s stranglehold on the premiership. After premiership success in 1935, Easts went through the 1936 and 1937 seasons undefeated to claim their second hat-trick.
Easts won again in 1940 and 1945 but in the following decades failed to capture a premiership title.
The Roosters’ stocks hit a low point in 1966 when the club failed to win a single game. But rejuvenation followed under the astute direction of new coach Jack Gibson and with the support of a profitable Leagues Club, Easts climbed from last to fourth. The Roosters were again a premiership force with Gibson’s return in 1974 providing the final piece in the puzzle with the club winning back-to-back titles, breaking a drought of almost three decades.
Success was shortlived though, as the Roosters descended into mediocrity for much of the 1980s. With junior numbers diminishing and performances stagnating, the club’s place in the competition was under threat. It took their influential chairman Nick Politis to implement a turnaround. The arrival of heavy-hitting coach Phil Gould and Penrith star Brad Fittler in the mid-90s helped restore the club’s fortunes and the Roosters were finalists for 9 successive years. The long-awaited premiership title came in 2002 under coach Ricky Stuart and was followed by grand final appearances in 2003 and 2004.
To acknowledge the history of the Sydney Roosters and commemorate their role in making Rugby League the great game that it is, The Centenary of Rugby League is proud to release this stunning product titled ‘History in The Making’.
- Personally hand signed by Brad Fittler
- Print celebrates the proud history of the Sydney Roosters
- Limited edition of 100 units world-wide
- Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Officially licensed product of the NRL
- Print dimensions of 850 x 500mm
