Sydney Roosters

{{Main|History of the Sydney Roosters}}

File:Dan Frawley in action.jpg (right) and Dally Messenger (left) in action for New South Wales in 1912]]

The Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club (ESDRLFC) was formed on 24 January 1908 at a meeting at the Paddington Town Hall in SydneyCollis and Whiticker, p. 16. after it was decided that the district should enter a team in the newly formed New South Wales Rugby Football League.Collis and Whiticker, p. 12. The ESDRLFC was formed, under its articles of association with the NSWRFL, to represent the geographic areas in Sydney covering the Waverley, Randwick, Woollahra, Paddington and Vaucluse local government municipalities, as well as the eastern parts of the Sydney CBD.

Unofficially nicknamed the "Tricolours" due to the red, white and blue playing strip,Collis and Whiticker, p. 29. Eastern Suburbs won its first match, defeating Newtown 32–16 at Wentworth Oval on 20 April 1908. In 1913 it became the first club to win three consecutive premierships;{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/yourroosters/roosters1908to2005.php |title=Club History: Sydney Roosters Rugby League 2006 |access-date=8 October 2006 |publisher=Sydney Roosters |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070204080841/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/yourroosters/roosters1908to2005.php |archive-date = 4 February 2007}}Collis and Whiticker, p. 381. the line-ups during this period included the likes of Dally Messenger, Harry "Jersey" Flegg and Sandy Pearce, all regarded as all-time rugby league greats.Collis and Whiticker, pp. 16–17. However, the club rapidly declined and failed to win the premiership for the next nine seasons.

Eastern Suburbs missed the finals once from 1926 to 1942, and in that time won four titles and the minor premiership on seven occasions.{{cite web|url=http://www.stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_ss.html |title=Rugby League Tables / Season Summary / Easts |publisher=Rugby League Tables & Statistics |access-date=13 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705001049/http://www.stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_ss.html |archive-date=5 July 2009 }} During this period, Dave Brown set several point-scoring records that still stand.Collis and Whiticker, p. 20. In 1935, the team lost just one game,Collis and Whiticker, p. 21. and recorded the highest winning margin in their history, an 87–7 (equivalent to 106–8 using the modern scoring system) victory over Canterbury.{{cite web |url=http://www.stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_gr.html |title=Rugby League Tables / Regular Season / All Teams |publisher=Rugby League Tables & Statistics |access-date=6 October 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060830192722/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_gr.html |archive-date=30 August 2006 }} In 1936, Eastern Suburbs became one of five teams in premiership history to remain undefeated for an entire season,{{cite web |url=http://www.stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/all/overall_sr.html |title=Rugby League Tables / Game Records / Easts |publisher=Rugby League Tables & Statistics |access-date=6 October 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829204850/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/all/overall_sr.html |archive-date=29 August 2006 }} a feat they repeated the following year. It is the only club to remain unbeaten for two consecutive seasons.

Despite claiming the premiership in 1945, Eastern Suburbs failed to make the finals for the following seven seasons.Collis and Whiticker, pp. 22–23. A runners-up finish in 1960 was the closest the club came to claiming the premiership during this era. Eastern Suburbs were soundly defeated 31–6 in the grand final that year, by the famous record-beating St George outfit.Collis and Whiticker, pp. 24–25. In 1966, the club fell to new depths and was winless for the first time in its history.Collis and Whiticker, p. 23.Andrews, p. 658. It was also the last occasion in which the Roosters won the wooden spoon until claiming it again in the 2009 season.{{cite web|url=http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_ss.html |title=Rugby League Tables / Season Summary / Sydney Roosters |access-date=14 April 2009 |publisher=Rleague |author=Jeffs, Paul |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419173550/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_ss.html |archive-date=19 April 2009 }} It ended a poor run for Eastern Suburbs; from 1963 to 1966, they won 8 of 72 matches, finishing second to last in 1964 and last in the other three years.Collis and Whiticker, p. 24. The club underwent a renaissance in 1967 after appointing Jack Gibson as coach (1967–68), and introducing a new emblem on the playing jerseys, the rooster.

From 1972 to 1982, the Roosters won four minor premierships and played in four grand finals, winning two consecutively. Gibson, now dubbed as "Super Coach",Collis and Whiticker, pp. 24–26. returned to lead the team from 1974 to 1976.The titling of Gibson as "Super Coach" is common terminology in Australian rugby league references, given his outstanding coaching record. See {{cite web| url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/14/1060588510800.html?from=storyrhs |title=Super coach Gibson salutes his favourite players |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=14 August 2003 |access-date=8 October 2006}}Collis and Whiticker, p. 25. In 1974 and 1975, the team won 39 of 44 matches, both minor premierships and both grand finals and set a premiership record of 19 consecutive wins. The 38–0 grand final victory in 1975 against St George was the largest margin in a first grade grand final,Collis and Whiticker, p. 26. and the record stood for 33 years until superseded by Manly's 40–0 win over the Melbourne Storm in 2008. Although the 1975 grand final was played during an era of a now-obsolete scoring system - with 3 points awarded for a try - the scoreline using 4 points for tries would mean that the record winning margin for a grand final would still hold with an adjusted score of 46–0.{{cite news |author1=Walter, Brad |author2=Pandaram, Jamie |work=Brisbane Times |title=Manly's five-year plan |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2008/10/05/1223145207693.html |access-date=13 April 2009 |date=6 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801060649/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2008/10/05/1223145207693.html |archive-date=1 August 2015 }} With line-ups including Mark Harris, Elwyn Walters, John Brass, Bill Mullins, Russell Fairfax, Johnny Mayes, John Peard, Ron Coote, Ian Schubert and captain Arthur Beetson,Collis and Whiticker, pp. 25–26. the Centenary of Rugby League panel considered the Roosters of 1974 and 1975 to be among the greatest club teams of all time.{{cite web |publisher=National Rugby League |title=Team of the Century Announced |url=http://www.centenaryofrugbyleague.com.au/site/news--reviews/media-releases/team-of-the-century-announced.aspx |access-date=13 April 2009 |date=17 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521122127/http://www.centenaryofrugbyleague.com.au/site/news--reviews/media-releases/team-of-the-century-announced.aspx |archive-date=21 May 2010 }}

[[File:Three Rooster Blues 1931.jpg|thumb|right|Three representative Roosters in 1931:

Brown, Norman and Stehr.]]

Between 1984 and 1995, the Roosters reached the semi-finals once, and became known to critics as the "transit lounge", due to the high frequency of player purchases and releases.Collis and Whiticker, p. 27. The club came close to reaching the premiership in 1987 under coach and favourite son Arthur Beetson, being defeated by eventual premiers Manly in a "bruising" major semi-final, 10–6.Middleton, p. 108.

As the Super League war built up in the mid-1990s, the Roosters recruited high-profile coach Phil Gould and star five-eighth Brad Fittler, both from the Penrith Panthers.{{cite web |url=http://www.rl1908.com/Clubs/Sydney-Roosters.htm |title=Sydney Roosters (Eastern Suburbs) |publisher=RL1908.com |access-date=15 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061021080326/http://www.rl1908.com/Clubs/Sydney-Roosters.htm |archive-date=21 October 2006 }} This helped to quickly send the Roosters back to the upper end of the ladder. Fittler's presence proved invaluable; during his reign, the Roosters competed in four grand finals in five years. In 2002, the club captured its 12th premiership – the first in 27 years – defeating Minor Premiers the New Zealand Warriors 30–8 in the 2002 NRL grand final.Collis and Whiticker, p. 28.

In the 2003 NRL grand final against the Penrith Panthers, the Roosters lost 18–6 in what was their heaviest defeat for the year. A decisive moment occurred midway through the second half: with the scores tied at 6-all, Roosters winger Todd Byrne made a clear break down the sideline and looked set to score a try before being chased down and tackled into touch by Penrith lock forward, Scott Sattler. From then on, the momentum of the game was with Penrith.{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Alex |author2=Brown, Malcolm|author3=Maley, Jacqueline |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/05/1065292479504.html?from=storyrhs |title=Fairytale of the year: Panthers pluck Roosters |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=6 October 2003 |access-date=4 November 2006}} The Roosters' made the Grand Final in 2004, when they ceded a 13–6 half-time lead to be defeated by the Bulldogs 16–13. The match was captain Fittler's last for the team.Haddan, p. 330.

File:Performance Chart NRL SYD.svg

In 2007, the Roosters became the first club to play 100 seasons of first grade rugby league; having been the only outfit to play in each season since the competition's inception in 1908. They appointed Chris Anderson as coach in 2007 and 2008 following two relatively unsuccessful years under Ricky Stuart.{{cite web|last=Walter |first= Brad |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/a-sticky-end-for-ricky/2006/08/28/1156617274414.html |title=A sticky end for Ricky |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=29 August 2006 |access-date=4 November 2006}} On 9 July 2007, Anderson resigned after a 56–0 loss to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.{{cite news|first=Phil |last=Rothfield|work=The Daily Telegraph|title=Anderson out, Freddy in |url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22047691-5001021,00.html |access-date=13 April 2009|date=10 July 2007}} Assistant Coach Fittler acted as the caretaker for the remainder of the 2007 season, before being appointed in August to the top job for two years.{{cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/21/2010664.htm?section=sport | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719110109/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/21/2010664.htm?section=sport | url-status=dead | archive-date=19 July 2012 | title=Fittler made Roosters head coach | work=ABC | publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=21 August 2007 | access-date=13 April 2009}} With eight rounds remaining in a disappointing 2009 season in which the Roosters finished with the wooden spoon for the first time in 43 years, Fittler was informed he would not be the coach in 2010, his position to be taken by veteran coach Brian Smith. The Roosters wound up winning only five games for the entire season; twice against Cronulla and once against each of Canberra in Canberra, eventual grand finalists Parramatta and Newcastle in Newcastle.

A year after finishing last, under the coaching of Brian Smith they reached the 2010 NRL Grand Final where the St. George Illawarra Dragons defeated them 32–8. The Roosters led 8–6 at half time but were overrun in the second half.

What followed was another relatively disappointing season at Bondi Junction, with the Roosters finishing 11th in a 2011 season plagued by off-field issues involving 2010 Dally M Medallist Todd Carney (who was later sacked by the Roosters at season's end). However, a four-game winning streak to end the season brought hope for the 2012 season. Other high-profile players including Nate Myles, Mark Riddell, Jason Ryles, Kane Linnett, and Phil Graham all left the club at season's end.

The Roosters endured a disappointing 2012 season, finishing 13th. Brian Smith resigned from the coaching role shortly after the Roosters' season concluded with a loss to the Minor Premiers Canterbury, and also at season's end captain Braith Anasta left to join the Wests Tigers in 2013.

The 2013 season saw new staff, a new coach, Trent Robinson, and several new players, including big signings Michael Jennings, James Maloney, Luke O'Donnell and Sonny Bill Williams, arrive at the club. This culminated in the Roosters finishing the 2013 season with a 24–12 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs, securing the Minor Premiership for the 2013 season and were the NRL's best attacking and defensive team.[http://www.theage.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/sydney-roosters-need-to-lift-their-game-to-go-backtoback-say-grand-final-heroes-20140223-33ack.html?skin=text-only Sydney Roosters need to lift their game to go back-to-back, say grand final heroes], by Michael Chammas, The Age, dated 23 February 2014. The Roosters defeated the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 4–0, in week one of the finals, earning a week's rest. The Roosters defeated the Newcastle Knights 40–14 in week three of the NRL finals, progressing to the 2013 NRL grand final, facing the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, winning 26–18. It was a great comeback by the Roosters, down by 10 points in the second half they went on to score three consecutive tries to seal the win and their 13th premiership. They then went on to win the 2014 World Club Challenge against Wigan 36–14 to claim the treble of club titles. No team in premiership history had come from a lower ladder position to win the following season's title.[http://rugbyleagueopinions.com/ GREATEST 12-MONTH TURNAROUNDS IN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY LEAGUE], by Will Evans, Rugby League Opinions, dated 21 October 2014.

In the 2014 season, the club finished first on the table winning the Minor Premiership. In the Preliminary Final against arch rivals Souths, Sydney lost the match 32–22 in what was retiring legend Anthony Minichiello's final game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2014/09/30/sydney-roosters-season-review/|title=Sydney Roosters Season Review|date=30 September 2014}} In the 2015 season, Sydney finished first on the table and claimed their third consecutive Minor Premiership. The Roosters again made the Preliminary Final with Brisbane this time being the opponents. The Roosters ended up losing the match 31–12 in front of a sold-out crowd at Suncorp Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/09/28/roosters-2015-season-review/|title = Roosters 2015 season review|date = 28 September 2015}}

In the 2016 season, the Roosters finished 15th on the table after enduring a horror season where star player Mitchell Pearce was suspended for 8 matches, fined $A125,000 and stripped of the captaincy following a pre season incident where Pearce was intoxicated, simulated a sex act with a dog which was filmed on another party goer's mobile phone. The club also struggled due to injuries to star players such as Boyd Cordner and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/03/mitchell-pearce-handed-eight-week-suspension-and-fined|title = Mitchell Pearce handed eight-week suspension and $125,000 fine| website=TheGuardian.com |date = 3 March 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2016/09/05/roosters-2016-season-review/|title=Roosters 2016 season review|date=5 September 2016}}

The Roosters finished 2nd at the end of the 2017 season and defeated Brisbane in week one of the finals earning the week off. Sydney's opponents in the Preliminary Final were North Queensland who had finished in 8th position on the table and produced upset victories over Cronulla and Parramatta. In a game that the Roosters were expected to win, the Cowboys surprised everyone winning the match 29–16.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/08/16/sydney-roosters-boyd-cordner-wont-let-the-scars-of-past-finals-series-hurt-this-year/|title = Cordner says Roosters not scarred by past finals exits|date = 16 August 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2017/09/25/roosters-2017--season-review/|title = Roosters 2017 | Season Review|date = 24 September 2017}}

In 2018, the Sydney Roosters finished in first place during the regular season, claiming their 20th Minor Premiership. They beat Cronulla-Sutherland 21–12 in week one of the finals, earning the week off.

In March 2018, the NRL announced that the club had been successful in their bid for a team in the inaugural NRL Women's competition set to start in September of that year. This inclusion made Eastern Suburbs the only double foundation club in the league. The team would finish the season in second place, losing in the Grand Final to the Brisbane Broncos.

The club then broke its preliminary final hoodoo by beating rivals South Sydney 12–4 in what was the last sports match ever played at the Sydney Football Stadium. They managed to keep Souths tryless, and the crowd was the largest ever recorded in a sporting match at the Sydney Football Stadium with 44,380 people in attendance. The Roosters played Melbourne in the 2018 NRL Grand Final, and won 21–6 to claim their 14th premiership.

The Roosters started the 2019 NRL season with a round 1 loss against rivals Souths at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The club then went on an eight-game winning run and defeated Melbourne 21–20 in the grand final rematch which was played at AAMI Park. The Roosters also scored impressive victories over Brisbane 36–4 and Wests 42–12 which were both played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/mitchell-s-boot-floors-storm-in-golden-point-classic-20190419-p51fqf.html/|title=Mitchell's boot floors Storm in golden-point classic|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=19 April 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-04/nrl-raiders-panthers-sea-eagles-bulldogs-roosters-wests-tigers/11062620/|title=Roosters thrash Tigers 42–12, Raiders beat Panthers 30–12, Sea Eagles defeat Bulldogs 18–10|newspaper=ABC News|date=4 May 2019|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}

Midway through the 2019 NRL season, Sydney suffered a drop in form during the 2019 State of Origin series period before recovering by winning 7 of their last 8 matches of the season to finish 2nd behind minor premiers Melbourne.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/08/04/brett-morris-racks-up-try-150-as-roosters-outclass-titans/|title=Horror show for Holbrook as Roosters run riot|website=NRL|date=4 August 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nrl/story/_/id/27226078/nrl-sydney-roosters-thrash-newcastle-knights-lose-jake-friend/|title=Sydney Roosters thrash Newcastle Knights, lose Jake Friend|date=20 July 2019|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/mitchell-stars-as-roosters-thump-hapless-warriors-20190818-p52ia7.html/|title=Mitchell stars as Roosters thump hapless Warriors|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=18 August 2019}} The Roosters defeated rivals South Sydney and Melbourne to reach the 2019 NRL Grand Final. In the grand final, Sydney won their second consecutive premiership after a hard-fought victory against Canberra at ANZ Stadium. It was the first time that a team had won consecutive premierships in a unified competition since Brisbane achieved the feat in the 1992 and 1993 seasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-grand-final-player-ratings-roosters-and-raiders-hits-and-misses-20191006-p52y53.html/|title=NRL grand final player ratings: Roosters and Raiders hits and misses|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=6 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49950757/|title=Sydney Roosters beat Canberra Raiders to win NRL Grand Final|work=BBC Sport }}

The club began the 2020 NRL season once again as one of the teams to beat for the premiership but suffered back to back losses to start the year before the season was interrupted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. After the return to play, the club won five matches in a row and only lost three matches between round 8 and round 20.

The Roosters finished the season in 4th place and qualified for the finals. In week one of the finals, they were defeated by minor premiers Penrith which forced them into an elimination final match against Canberra. The Roosters quest for a third straight premiership was ended as they lost against Canberra 22–18 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-09/nrl-finals-canberra-raiders-beat-sydney-roosters/12743384/|title=Canberra Raiders defeat Sydney Roosters 22-18 in NRL semi-final classic at SCG|newspaper=ABC News|date=9 October 2020}}

The club began the 2021 NRL season as one of the teams tipped to challenge for the premiership. In the opening two rounds of the year, the club defeated both Manly and the Wests Tigers by 40 points. Throughout the season however, the club suffered one of the biggest injury tolls in recent history losing Jake Friend, Boyd Cordner and Brett Morris to retirement and season ending injuries to Luke Keary, Lindsay Collins, Joseph Manu and Billy Smith. The Roosters were forced to blood nine debutants, including the likes of Sam Walker, Ben Marschke, Egan Butcher and Fletcher Baker and call upon players from the club's feeder side the North Sydney Bears. The club also suffered injuries and suspensions to other key players such as Victor Radley.

The Roosters ended the 2021 NRL season in fifth place and qualified for the finals. In week one of the finals, the club defeated the Gold Coast 25–24. The following week, the Roosters season ended after losing 42–6 against Manly.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-canberra-raiders-vs-sydney-roosters-live-blog-live-stream-supercoach-scores-videos-jack-wighton-james-tedesco/news-story/745b280dcc746da257fecd8fda231afd/|title=Roosters' 'Mr Fix It' stuns with hat-trick, Sloppy Raiders' final fade out ends season: 3 Big Hits|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=2 September 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/09/16/they-dont-rate-us-how-injury-toll-eased-pressure-for-revitalised-roosters/|title='They don't rate us': How injury toll eased pressure for revitalised Roosters|website=www.nrl.com|date=16 September 2021}} In the 2022 NRL season, the club finished sixth on the table. The Sydney Roosters won eight straight matches late in the season, but were knocked out in the first week of the finals. The Sydney Roosters entered the 2023 NRL season as one of the favourites to take out the competition but by round 20, the club were sat 14th on the table. The tri-colours then went on to win their remaining five matches of the season against also-rans Manly, the Dolphins, Parramatta, Wests Tigers and lastly arch-rivals South Sydney to finish 7th on the table. In week one of the finals, the club would defeat an out of sorts Cronulla side to reach the second week with their opponent being Melbourne. Melbourne were heavy favourites going into the game but with only minutes remaining the Sydney Roosters were in front 13–12 before Melbourne scored a try through William Warbrick to win the match 18–13. The match wasn't without controversy due to Melbourne scoring a try in the first half which came directly after Harry Grant had knocked the ball on from a cross-field kick, which was not called by referee Ashley Klein.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-finals-2023-melbourne-storm-vs-sydney-roosters-live-stream-live-blog-supercoach-scores-videos-cameron-munster-james-tedesco/news-story/72e4e6bbfaf170d4bab37cb9f9709e1b/|title=Munster magic delivers epic semi-final win after Roosters robbed by refereeing howler|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=15 September 2023 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-maika-sivo-tackle-on-james-tedesco-eels-v-roosters-head-knock-category-one-will-he-play-on-report/news-story/13cf3930ee791346b2a6364ff87d137e/|title='His head falls into his arm': BA defends Eels star after Tedesco concussed - and Robbo agrees|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=19 August 2023 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-12/nrl-rabbitohs-dragons-cowboys-tigers-warriors-roosters-dolphins/102722948/|title=New Zealand Warriors down Wests Tigers 30-22, Sydney Roosters beat Dolphins 30-14, South Sydney defeats St George Illawarra 26-14|newspaper=ABC News|date=12 August 2023 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-sydney-roosters-vs-manly-sea-eagles-live-stream-live-blog-supercoach-scores-videos-james-tedesco-daly-cherryevans/news-story/b6b289aac436dc304e9bc9535d746132/|title=Roosters' back five sizzles to hold off late Manly fightback after ugly Brown send off: Big Hits|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=3 August 2023 }}

In the 2024 NRL season, the club would finish third on the table and qualify for the finals. The club would eventually reach the preliminary final but were soundly beaten by Melbourne 48-18.{{cite web|url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/news-2024-sydney-roosters-season-review-the-mole-analysis-20241001-p5kesz.html/|title=The Mole's end of season review: Maligned signing suddenly looms as Roosters saviour after exodus, injuries|website=www.nine.com.au}}

Eastern Suburbs did not traditionally sport a crest on their jerseys in the first half of the 20th century.Collis and Whiticker, pp. 14–27. Other clubs occasionally sported simple designs on their strip; however, this was not seen consistently on all jerseys until the 1950s and 1960s. In 1967, the club introduced its first logo, displaying the mantra "Easts to Win", following a winless season. The crest also incorporated a rooster or cockerel in the design; one source suggested that this choice of mascot followed after the Roosters' jersey design was inspired by the French national team's jersey.{{cite web|last=Fagan |first=Sean |url=http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/100years/news.php?article_id=41 |title=Origin of the Rooster and club colours |publisher=Sydney Roosters |date=31 July 2006 |access-date=10 August 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070921044707/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/100years/news.php?article_id=41 |archive-date = 21 September 2007}} Given that the French team's mascot was affectionately known to supporters as le coq, "the rooster", connections have been made as to the choosing of a rooster for Eastern Suburbs' mascot.

In 1978, the mantra was replaced with the team's name, "Eastern Suburbs". This name was kept until 1994, when the club changed its team name to the "Sydney City Roosters" for the start of the 1995 season to appeal to the club's widening fan base. In 2000, the club shortened its name to the "Sydney Roosters".

Although marketing names have changed, the Roosters are still registered with the National Rugby League competition as the Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club, the entity holding the NRL licence.{{cite web|last=Bryce |first=Shannon |url=http://www.rleague.com/db/club/sydney_roosters/history.php |title=Sydney Roosters History |publisher=The World of Rugby League |access-date=10 July 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001001421/http://www.rleague.com/db/club/sydney_roosters/history.php |archive-date=1 October 2007 }}

File:Sydney_Roosters_Logo_1967.jpg |1967

File:Sydney_Roosters_Alternative_Logo_1967.jpg |1967- 1977

File:Sydney_roosters_logo_1978.jpg |1978-1994

File:Sydney_Roosters_Logo_1995.jpg |1995-1999

File:Sydney Roosters logo.svg |2000-Present

Red, white and blue have been the colours of every jersey design in the club's history;{{cite web|last=Fagan |first=Sean |url=http://www.rl1908.com/clubcomps/origins.htm |title=Club Histories – New Speculations |publisher=Rl1908.com |access-date=4 November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061021080342/http://www.rl1908.com/clubcomps/origins.htm |archive-date=21 October 2006 }} however, the jersey design has undergone several alterations. During World War II, the design of the jersey was modified because the dye used to colour jerseys was needed for the war effort.{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=12246|title=War Jersey In-Store NOW|access-date=14 April 2009|publisher=Sydney Roosters|date=31 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314064903/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=12246|archive-date=14 March 2012}} This saw Eastern Suburbs playing in different colours and an altered design. Instead of using the traditional hoops, the side used a sky-blue based jersey and a red and white V-strip around the collar. This is the only noted time in the club's history where the traditional deep blue, red and white combination was absent from the jersey. After the war, the V-strip design reverted to the original blue that had been present in the original jerseys, and the single red and white stripes around the shirt's chest were incorporated with a single white stripe surrounded by a red stripe on either side. This jersey appeared in the 1950s and remains the team's base design.

File:Eastern Suburbs Jersey 1908.png|1908–1913

File:Eastern Suburbs Jersey 1914.png|1914–1943, 1947–1953

File:Eastern Suburbs Jersey 1944.png|1944–1946

File:Eastern Suburbs Jersey 1954.png|1954–1974

File:Eastern Suburbs Jersey 1975.png|1975–1991

File:Eastern Suburbs Jersey 1992.png|1992–2007

Main: South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Major: St. George Illawarra Dragons (Anzac Day rivals), Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm.

Minor: Penrith Panthers, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Brisbane Broncos, Parramatta Eels, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

{{table alignment}}

File:Sydney Sports Ground 1937.jpg, Moore Park, as it appeared in 1937.]]

File:Aussie Stadium.jpg as it appears while hosting a National Rugby League finals match.]]

Most sources suggest that the Royal Agricultural Ground was often used as a home venue between 1908 and 1910, before the club hosted matches at the Sydney Sports Ground from 1911 onwards.[https://www.angelfire.com/nb/coop/bryce/records.html The Australian Rugby League records] Co-op Retrieved 6 October 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/100years/timeline_iframe.php |title=Timeline |publisher=Sydney Roosters |access-date=6 October 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070501131823/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/100years/timeline_iframe.php |archive-date = 1 May 2007}} It was here that the team played almost all of their home games up until 1986, when the ground was demolished with the Sydney Cricket Ground No. 2 to make way for Sydney's main rectangular field, the Sydney Football Stadium.{{cite web |url=http://content.cricinfo.com/australia/content/ground/56546.html |title=Sydney Cricket Ground No. 2 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=6 October 2006}} In 1987, games were moved away to the Newtown Jets' home ground, Henson Park, temporarily to await the completion of the Sydney Football Stadium. The team capitalised on this move, and under coach Arthur Beetson finished second in the regular season, and narrowly missed playing in the grand final. It was the only time between 1983 and 1995 that the club reached the finals.

In 1988, the club moved its home ground to the newly built Sydney Football Stadium on the site of the old Sydney Sports Ground, opening the season with a 24–14 defeat at the hands of the St George Dragons in front of 19,295 spectators on a wet night on 4 March 1988.{{cite web|title=Rugby League Tables / All Games / Sydney Roosters|url=http://stats.rleague.com/rl/games/easts.html|author=Jeffs, Paul|publisher=Rugby League Tables & Statistics|access-date=13 April 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070819174544/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/games/easts.html |archive-date = 19 August 2007|url-status=dead}} At the Sydney Football Stadium, the Roosters have a 59% win record from 256 games with a 58% and 55% win record at former home grounds the Sydney Sports Ground and the Sydney Cricket Ground respectively.{{cite web|access-date=13 April 2009|title=Rugby League Tables / Win–loss record / Venues / Sydney Roosters|url=http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_vn.html|publisher=Rugby League Tables & Statistics|author=Jeffs, Paul|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419173600/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_vn.html|archive-date=19 April 2009}}

The Roosters played their last game, a Preliminary Final against South Sydney, at the Sydney Football Stadium on 22 September 2018 in front of a ground record crowd of 44,380. In 2019, the Sydney Roosters home became the Sydney Cricket Ground whilst the replacement Sydney Football Stadium (2022) was being built.{{Cite web|url=https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2019/03/25/scg-trust-roosters-agree-to-25-year-partnership/|title = SCG Trust & Roosters Agree to 25-Year Partnership|date = 25 March 2019}}

File:ROOSTERS CHEERGIRLS.jpg

Their main fan base is in Sydney, with particular concentration in Sydney's East.Traditionally they represented the entirety of the Eastern Suburbs (being at the time the municipalities of Paddington, Woollahra, Vaucluse, Randwick and Waverley with many of these councils now since being amalgamated together) however due to junior team boundary lines changing in the late 1930's (of which many Roosters supporters have viewed as bias due to administrator conflicts of interest) the lower part of the Eastern Suburbs from Maroubra to La Perouse were taken off the Roosters and given to the Rabbitohs. However their original articles of association from 1908 still haven't been changed meaning technically at a senior level the Roosters still represent the whole area.{{Cite book |last=Heads |first=Ian |title=From where the sun rises : 100 years of the Sydney Roosters |publisher=Caringbah, N.S.W. : Playright Publishing |year=2007 |isbn=0977522652}} Currently though the suburbs represented by the Sydney Roosters as still traditional Eastern Suburbs heartland include Woolloomooloo, Potts Point, Darling Point, Kings Cross, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Double Bay, Point Piper, Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, Dover Heights, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Paddington, Woollahra, Moore Park, Centennial Park, North Bondi, Bondi, Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach, Tamarama, Waverley, Bronte, Clovelly, Kensington, Randwick, Coogee and South Coogee.

Compared to the early days though the team has now branched out due to the changing demographics of that region with most fans of the club coming from outside the traditional area.{{cite web| url=http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/fans/roostersaustraliawide.php |title=Roosters Australia Wide |publisher=Sydney Roosters |access-date=9 August 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060709080241/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/fans/roostersaustraliawide.php |archive-date = 9 July 2006}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/06/were-fair-weather-diehards-and-rugby-league-villains-but-im-still-a-roosters-fan/|title=We're fair-weather diehards and rugby league villains, but I'm still a Roosters fan|newspaper=The Guardian|date=5 October 2019 }} Due to the affluence of the Eastern Suburbs, the Roosters fanbase is often perceived as affluent White Collar and Upper Class, although the club (Like other Rugby League clubs) was formed mostly by players with a working class background.

They have an estimated 800k fans due to a club estimate. When calculating their 'average exposure value' across the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons it was determined that they were the most watched NRL club and the third most watched club across all sporting codes in Australia. They had 18.6 million game views in 2021 alone.{{cite web|title=Club Exposure & Insights|publisher=Sydney Roosters|url=https://www.roosters.com.au/corporate/partnerships/club-exposure/#:~:text=Fan%20Insights,Roosters%20have%20almost%20800k%20fans.|access-date=29 March 2023}}

In the premiership winning season of 2013 the club tallied the fourth-highest home attendance of all National Rugby League clubs with an average of 19,368 spectators at the Sydney Football Stadium.{{cite web | url=http://stats.rleague.com/rl/crowds/2013.html | title=Rugby League Tables / 2013 Attendances | publisher=Rugby League Tables & Statistics | access-date=9 November 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109052306/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/crowds/2013.html | archive-date=9 November 2013 | df=dmy-all }} Following the re-opening of the newly renovated Sydney Football Stadium, during the 2023 season the Roosters recorded the third-highest average home attendance in the NRL and the highest outside of Queensland with an average of 22,898.{{cite web|url=https://afltables.com/rl/crowds/2023.html|title=Rugby League Tables / 2023 Attendances|website=afltables.com}} Again in 2024 they recorded the third-highest average home attendance and the most in NSW with 23, 364{{Cite web|url=https://afltables.com/rl/crowds/2024.html|title=Rugby League Tables / Attendances 2024|website=afltables.com}}

At the club's home ground, the Sydney Football Stadium, the supporters congregate in distinct sections. The "Chook Pen", a designated area in Bays 35-37,{{cite news|last=Constantinou|first=Menios|title=It's Rooster season|work=Wentworth Courier|date=24 February 2010|page=3}} is the preferred location for the most animated fans.{{cite news|last=Huxley|first=John|title=Geez, don't you just glove those Roosters?|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=26 August 2000|page=1}} Members of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust are seated in the Members Pavilion,{{cite web|title=Membership: SCG Membership|publisher=Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust|url=http://www.sydneycricketground.com.au/membership/|access-date=16 September 2017}} and season ticket holders are located in Bays 12–14.{{cite web|url=https://membership.roosters.com.au/use-your-membership|title=How to use your Roosters Membership|publisher=Sydney Roosters|access-date=21 September 2017|archive-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922051126/https://membership.roosters.com.au/use-your-membership|url-status=dead}}

In 2023, the Roosters had over 20,072 paying members which ranked them with the fifth most memberships out of the nine Sydney teams, in addition to the 46,486 members of the Easts Leagues Club, which is the major benefactor of the football club.{{cite web|url=https://nothingbutleague.com/2023-nrl-best-nrl-supported-clubs-unmasked-380864/|title=Total NRL Membership Numbers And Membership Base Growth|website=nothingbutleague.com|date=8 December 2023 }}{{cite web|url=https://eastsgroup.com.au/content/uploads/2021/02/ELG_AnnualReport_2020-WEB.pdf|title=Easts Leagues Club Annual Report|publisher=Sydney Roosters|access-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327080340/https://eastsgroup.com.au/content/uploads/2021/02/ELG_AnnualReport_2020-WEB.pdf|archive-date=27 March 2021|url-status=live}} The Easts Leagues Club and the Sydney Roosters "operate as one entity" known as the Easts Group.{{cite web|publisher=Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club|title=2013 Annual Report|url=http://www.eastleaguesclub.com.au/default.aspx?id=281|access-date=30 January 2013|format=PDF|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410093447/http://www.eastleaguesclub.com.au/default.aspx?id=281|archive-date=10 April 2013}} Under this arrangement, the Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club is the 'parent company' of the Easts Group. The Football Club delegates, however, overarching responsibility for both football and leagues club operations to a single general manager who oversees the group's performance. The leagues club provides financial support to the football club only when necessary as the football club's sponsorships and TV revenues are generally adequate to cover most Rugby League expenditures.

{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|

• Doug Bollinger
  cricketer{{cite news|first=Danny|last=Weidler|author-link=Danny Weidler|title=Last word: Stuart's cock-a-hoop|newspaper=The Sun-Herald|date=9 November 2003}}
• Mark Bouris
  businessman{{cite news|first=Roy|last=Masters|title=Origin II presents the praised, the persecuted, the steward and the sledgehammer|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=%22roosters+supporter%22&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH030625PPDC53719SJ|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=5 June 2003|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Guillaume Brahimi
  chef{{cite news|first=Christine|last=Lacy|title=Telstra now on to its second pick|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&Page=1&docID=SMH050601SQ71D3KL4OA|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=1 June 2005|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Daryl Braithwaite
  Singer{{cite web |title=The NRL Grand Final kicks off in 3 hours. I took a photo of ANZ Stadium and you can feel the excitement building. I am hoping the Roosters / Eastern Suburbs win ... - Daryl| website=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/DarylBraithwaite/photos/the-nrl-grand-final-kicks-off-in-3-hours-i-took-a-photo-of-anz-stadium-and-you-c/2085440708153002/?paipv=0&eav=AfZVF6wQ2qt-D-nI7Q7OSx7EpOHdgCFFzi24vvMEJ938D-XDciTV9A4InzGw5ByJIfU&_rdr|date=30 September 2018}}
• Simon Burke
  actor{{cite news|first=Rachel|last=Browne|title=My Week: Simon Burke, actor|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=%22roosters+supporter%22&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SHD050724BJ19B5A13N9|newspaper=The Sun-Herald|date=24 July 2005|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Scott Cam
  television host{{cite news|first=Roy|last=Masters|title=Origin II presents the praised, the persecuted, the steward and the sledgehammer|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page1&sy=smh&kw=%22roosters+supporter%22&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH030625PPDC53719SJ|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=5 June 2003|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Bob Carr
  39th Premier of New South Wales{{cite news|first=Roy|last=Masters|title=Clubs are overdoing this 'them' and 'us' approach|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw&22easts+supporter&22&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news900401_0245_8889|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=1 April 1990|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Harry Connick Jr.
  American singer, pianist, composer, actor, and television host{{cite web |title=@harryconnickjr likes us just the way we are 😄 Thanks for visiting last night!|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp62DCms4pn/|date=19 March 2023}}
• General Sir Peter Cosgrove
  26th Governor-General of Australia{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Webster|title=NRL finals 2015: Sydney Roosters wary of Canterbury Bulldogs' tackling style|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/nrl-finals-2015-sydney-roosters-wary-of-canterbury-bulldogs-tackling-style-20150917-gjopyo.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 September 2015|access-date=13 May 2015}}
• George Donikian
  news presenter{{cite news|first1=Bobby|last1=Marcovic|first2=Tom|last2=Findlay|title=Super Scene|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=%22roosters+fan+%22&pb&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rg=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SHD010916OR4HF6BNN2A|newspaper=The Sun-Herald|date=16 September 2001|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Johnny Fisher
  British Heavyweight Boxer{{cite web |title=Activate 18th man|author = Sydney Roosters, NRL, itsbigjohn1, johnnyfisher1 | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DFE1eIFSKvN/?hl=en| date=21 January 2025}}
• Luke Foley
  37th New South Wales Opposition Leader{{cite news|first=Nicole|last=Hasham|title=NSW state election 2015: Luke Foley splurges on rugby league and libraries|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-state-election-2015/nsw-state-election-2015-luke-foley-splurges-on-rugby-league-and-libraries-20150319-1m379r.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=20 March 2015|access-date=13 May 2015}}
• Sir James Darcy Freeman
  Catholic Cardinal{{cite news|first=Roy|last=Masters|title=Clubs are overdoing this 'them' and 'us' approach|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=%22easts+supporter%22&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news900401_0245_8889|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=1 April 1990|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Isaac Heeney
  AFL Player{{cite web |title=How the kid who had no idea about AFL became a Swans star|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/how-the-kid-who-had-no-idea-about-afl-became-a-swans-star-20220624-p5awan.html|date=24 June 2022}}
• Wim Hof
  Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete{{cite web |title=@iceman_hof hits the sheds!|author = sydneyrooster | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp6vKQiLCuQ/| date=19 March 2023}}
• Hulk Hogan
  retired American professional wrestler{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan Membership {{as written|Adver|tisment [sic]}}|url=https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2011/01/31/hulk-hogan-membership-advertisment/|date=31 January 2011}}
• Bruce Hopkins (surf lifesaver)
  Head lifeguard at Bondi Beach and featuring in the TV show 'Bondi Rescue'{{cite web |title=Bondi Rescue boys ready to crow| website=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXxfYD8NlWQ|date=26 September 2013}}
• John Ibrahim
  former Kings Cross nightclub owner, writer and alleged organised crime figure{{cite web |title=Ibrahim joins big hitters in Roosters' box|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Fteams%2Froosters%2Fnrl-grand-final-kings-cross-nightclub-owner-john-ibrahim-on-his-love-for-the-roosters%2Fnews-story%2F73125c741a13c884cbc5fbab37177aad&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&BT=sport|date=29 September 2018}}
• George Kambosos Jr.
  professional boxer and former world champion{{cite web |title=The Champ is Here!|url=https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2022/03/22/the-champ-is-here/|date=22 March 2022}}
• Amanda Keller
  media personality{{cite news|first=Adrian|last=Proszenko|title=Give Willie a go|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/news/give-willie-a-go/2007/11/17/1194767018128.html?page=fullpage|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=18 November 2007|access-date=13 May 2015}}
• Paul Kelly
  Australian rules football player{{cite news|first1=Bobby|last1=Marcovic|first2=Tom|last2=Findlay|title=Super Scene|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=%22roosters+fan%22&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SHD010916OR4HF6BNN2A|newspaper=The Sun-Herald|date=16 September 2001|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Nick Kyrgios
  Australian Professional Tennis Player{{cite web |title=I'm a roosters fan. Thanks mark bouris|author = Nick Kyrgios | url=https://x.com/NickKyrgios/status/1799038644927574498| date=7 June 2024}}
• Joel Labi
  journalist
• Harold Larwood
  cricketer{{cite news|first=Alex|last=Brown|title=Some of his best mates were the Aussie batsmen he tormented|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=%22roosters+fan%22&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH061122J33O14EQ8RG|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=22 November 2006|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Erin McNaught
  media personality
• Brett Ogle
  professional golfer{{cite magazine|first=Jeff|last=Centenera|title=A Few Drinks with Brett Ogle|url=http://www.insidesport.com.au/drinks-with/a-few-drinks-with-brett-ogle/|magazine=Inside Sport|publisher=nextmedia|date=7 April 2014|access-date=13 May 2016}}
• Peter O'Malley
  professional golfer
• Nick Scott
  American football safety{{cite web |title=Mic'd Up: Nat Butcher and Nick Scott|url=https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2022/06/15/micd-up-nat-butcher-and-nick-scott/|date=15 June 2022}}
• Paul Sheehan
  columnist{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Sheehan|author-link=Paul Sheehan (journalist)|title=Forget history ... the real winner will not be rugby league|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=%22roosters+fan%22&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news000823_0783_5200|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=23 August 2000|access-date=6 October 2009}}
• Steve Smith
  former captain of the Australia cricket team{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Horne|title=Steve Smith and David Warner flying NRL flag in the Australian cricket team|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/roosters/steve-smith-and-david-warner-flying-nrl-flag-in-the-australian-cricket-team/news-story/5ff721555c2656b7fc17d9a25cc202e5|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=4 September 2015|access-date=13 May 2016}}
• Malcolm Turnbull
  29th Prime Minister of Australia{{cite news|first=Simon|last=King|title=Malcolm Turnbull is a rugby union man but in league with the voters|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/malcolm-turnbull-is-a-rugby-union-man-but-in-league-with-the-voters/news-story/e4ee486e23021a10d5756247fa82512e|newspaper=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=16 September 2015|access-date=13 May 2015}}
• Grayson Waller
  WWE Wrestler, Reality TV Star & Actor{{cite web |title=WWE Superstar Grayson Waller Roasted Podcast: WWE Superstar Grayson Waller on Apple Podcasts" |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wwe-superstar-grayson-waller/id1580669306?i=1000604894467 |date=20 March 2023}}
• Kate Waterhouse
  media personality
• David Warner
  former vice captain of the Australia cricket team
• Tim Webster
  radio and television personality{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Webster|title=NRL finals 2015: Sydney Roosters wary of Canterbury Bulldogs' tackling style|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/nrl-finals-2015-sydney-roosters-wary-of-canterbury-bulldogs-tackling-style-20150917-gjopyo..html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 September 2015|access-date=13 May 2015}}
• Gus Worland
  Media personality

}}

{{Main|List of Sydney Roosters records}}

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves holds the record for the most first grade games (307),{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Luke_Ricketson/summary.html|title=Luke Ricketson – Summary|publisher=Rugby League Project|access-date=13 April 2009|author1=Dollin, Shaun |author2=Ferguson, Andrew |name-list-style=amp }} having surpassed Mitchell Aubusson's tally of 306 matches in round 19 of the 2024 season. Former team captain Craig Fitzgibbon holds the club record for scoring the most points, tallying 1,376 over his 210 matches.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Craig_Fitzgibbon/summary.html|title=Craig Fitzgibbon -Summary|publisher=Rugby League Project|access-date=13 April 2009|author1=Dollin, Shaun |author2=Ferguson, Andrew |name-list-style=amp }}{{cite web|url=http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_sc.html|title=Rugby League Tables / Sydney Roosters Scorers|author=Jeffs, Paul|publisher=Rugby League Tables & Statistics|access-date=13 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324072506/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/easts/easts_sc.html|archive-date=24 March 2009}} Fitzgibbon also broke the all-time point scoring record for a forward in the later rounds of 2006.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Fitzgibbon-now-highestscoring-forward/2006/08/12/1154803146140.html|work=The Age|access-date=13 April 2009|title=Fitzgibbon now highest-scoring forward|date=12 August 2006}} Dave Brown's tally of 45 points (five tries and 15 goals) in a single match against Canterbury in 1935 remains a competition record after more than seven decades. Ivan Cleary scored 284 points in 1998, which at the time was an all-time points scoring record in a season.{{cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/09/21/950336.htm | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718205340/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/09/21/950336.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 July 2012 | title=Bulldogs blow Storm away | work=ABC | publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=21 September 2003 | access-date=18 April 2009 | author=Zander, Joel}}

Bill Mullins, father of 2002 premiership player Brett, scored 104 tries in his 11-year, 190-game career with Eastern Suburbs between 1968 and 1978, meaning that on average, he scored at least one try every two games. Anthony Minichiello became the highest try scorer in the Roosters history when he scored his 105th try against the Newcastle at Ausgrid Stadium in June 2011. 'Mini' finally retired after the 2014 season, and ended his career with 139 tries. He is also the first fullback in 70 years to win the Grand Final (2013), while captaining the club. Rod O'Loan scored seven tries in a single match against Sydney University in 1935, and Dave Brown's 38 tries in 15 games in the same year remains a competition record.

In 1975, the Eastern Suburbs Roosters set a record 19-match winning streak on their way to their 11th premiership. In a 1935 match against Canterbury, Dave Brown scored 45 points, the highest score and victory margin for the club (the 87–7 scoreline is equivalent to 106–8 under the contemporary scoring system). The winning margin is the second largest overall, behind St. George's 91–6 win over Canterbury a week earlier.{{cite web|url=http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/all/overall_gr.html |title=Rugby League Tables / Game Records / All Teams |access-date=13 April 2009 |author=Jeffs, Paul |publisher=Rugby League Tables & Statistics |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717162122/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/teams/all/overall_gr.html |archive-date=17 July 2014 }}

The club's record attendance for a regular season game at its home ground—the Sydney Football Stadium—stands at 40,864, achieved in a match on ANZAC Day against the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2017. The club's record attendance for a regular season game at the SCG stands at 50,130 on 4 May 1974 against the Manly Sea Eagles

The 2000 grand final between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos attracted 94,277 spectators to the Olympic Stadium.

{{See also|List of Sydney Roosters players}}

{{Sydney Roosters current squad}}

In 2000, the Sydney Roosters named their "Team of the Century", which included players from 1908 to 2000. The official team is listed below along with their Sydney Roosters cap number.{{cite web |url=http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/100years/player_list.php |title=Player List |publisher=Sydney Roosters |access-date=4 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080103124027/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/100years/player_list.php |archive-date = 3 January 2008}}

{{Rls

|squadname=Team of the Century

|BC1=#000080

|FC1=white

|BC2=#B50000

|FC2=white

|source=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080103124027/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/100years/player_list.php Player List] (archived)

|date= 22 October 2011

|list1a={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=639 | pos=FB | name=Russell Fairfax}}

|list1b={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=587 | pos=WG | name=Bill Mullins}}

|list1c={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no= 18 | pos=CE | name=Dally Messenger}}

|list1d={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=202 | pos=CE | name=David Brown}}

|list1e={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=315 | pos=WG | name=Lionel Cooper}}

|list1f={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=948 | pos=FE | name=Brad Fittler}}

|list1g={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=210 | pos=HB | name=Viv Thicknesse}}

|list1h={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=190 | pos=PR | name=Ray Stehr}}

|list1i={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no= 10 | pos=HK | name=Sandy Pearce}}

|list1j={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=615 | pos=PR | name=Arthur Beetson}}

|list1k={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=625 | pos=SR | name=Ron Coote}}

|list1l={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=193 | pos=SR | name=Joe Pearce}}

|list1m={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=234 | pos=LK | name=Andy Norval}}

|list2a={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=674 | name=Kevin Hastings}}

|list2b={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=232 | name=Jack Beaton}}

|list2c={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no= 66 | name=Jack Watkins}}

|list2d={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=570 | name=Barry Reilly}}

|coach=Jack Gibson

}}

In 2007, the Sydney Roosters announced "The Centurions", a team consisting of those regarded as the greatest players to have played 100 or more games for the club between 1908 and 2007. The team was selected by Ray Chesterton, Ian Heads, David Middleton and Alan Clarkson and was unveiled at the centenary season launch at the Michael Algeri Pavilion on 10 March 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/default.aspx?s=centurions|title=Centurions|access-date=13 April 2009|publisher=Sydney Roosters|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413055505/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/default.aspx?s=centurions|archive-date=13 April 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21353621-5001023,00.html|title=Twin signing boost for Roosters|access-date=13 April 2009|date=10 March 2007|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Steve|last=Mascourd}}

{{Rls

|squadname=The Centurions

|BC1=#000080

|FC1=white

|BC2=#B50000

|FC2=white

|source=[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413055505/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/default.aspx?s=centurions Centurions]

|date= 22 October 2011

|list1a={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=994 | pos=FB | name=Anthony Minichiello}}

|list1b={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=587 | pos=WG | name=Bill Mullins}}

|list1c={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=608 | pos=CE | name=Mark Harris}}

|list1d={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=595 | pos=CE | name=John Brass}}

|list1e={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=650 | pos=WG | name=Ian Schubert}}

|list1f={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=948 | pos=FE | name=Brad Fittler}}

|list1g={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=674 | pos=HB | name=Kevin Hastings}}

|list1h={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=190 | pos=PR | name=Ray Stehr}}

|list1i={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no= 10 | pos=HK | name=Sandy Pearce}}

|list1j={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=615 | pos=PR | name=Arthur Beetson|captain=y}}

|list1k={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=625 | pos=SR | name=Ron Coote}}

|list1l={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=193 | pos=SR | name=Joe Pearce}}

|list1m={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=234 | pos=LK | name=Andy Norval}}

|list2a={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=989 | pos=SR | name=Craig Fitzgibbon}}

|list2b={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=206 | name=Ernie Norman}}

|list2c={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=884 | pos=LK | name=Luke Ricketson}}

|list2d={{Rls player | nat=AUS | no=570 | name=Barry Reilly}}

|coach=Jack Gibson

}}

{{Main|List of Sydney Roosters honours}}

Premierships – 15
1911, 1912, 1913, 1923, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1940, 1945, 1974, 1975, 2002, 2013, 2018, 2019

Runners-up – 15
1908, 1919, 1921, 1928, 1931, 1934, 1938, 1941, 1960, 1972, 1980, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2010

Minor Premierships – 20
1912, 1913, 1923, 1931, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1940, 1941, 1945, 1974, 1975, 1980, 1981, 2004, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018

World Club Challenge – 5
1976, 2003, 2014, 2019, 2020

Amco Cup – 2
{{space|5}}1975, 1978

City Cup – 3
{{space|5}}1914, 1915, 1916

Auckland Nines – 1
{{space|5}}2017

World Sevens – 1
{{space|5}}1993

Club Championship – 12
{{space|5}}1930, 1931, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1945, 1970, 1974, 1975, 2004, 2006

Second Grade – 9
{{space|5}}1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1935, 1937, 1949, 1986, 2004

Third Grade/Under 23 – 11
{{space|5}}1914, 1917, 1924, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1941, 1947, 1970, 1976

Preseason Cup – 4
{{space|5}}1974, 1977, 1979, 1981

Under-20s Competition – 1
{{space|5}}2016

Jersey Flegg Cup – 3
{{space|5}}1995, 2002, 2004

Presidents Cup – 16
{{space|5}}1910, 1911, 1913, 1915, 1920, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1927, 1938, 1948, 1949, 1955, 1978, 1993

S. G. Ball Cup – 4
{{space|5}}1997, 2008, 2010, 2014 , 2025

The Knock On Effect NSW Cup – 0
{{space|5}}

NRL State Championship – 0
{{space|5}}

{{main|Sydney Roosters Women}}

On 27 March 2018, the Sydney Roosters applied for, and won, a license to participate in the inaugural 2018 NRL Women's season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/03/27/geographic-location-the-focus-as-nrl-womens-teams-announced/|title=Geographic location the focus as NRL women's teams announced|publisher=NRL.com|first=Alicia|last=Newton|date=27 March 2018|access-date=27 March 2018}} Adam Hartigan was named as the coach of the women's side.

In June 2018, the club used up the maximum of fifteen marquee signings ahead of the inaugural season which subsequently commenced in September. Players signed included Karina Brown, Isabelle Kelly and Ruan Sims.{{cite web|url=https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2018/06/17/roosters-announce-nrlw-marquee-signings/|title=Roosters announce NRLW marquee signings|publisher=Sydney Roosters|date=17 June 2018|access-date=17 June 2018}}

The club finished runners-up in the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership, losing to the Brisbane Broncos by 34–12 in the 2018 NRL Women's Premiership Grand Final.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/09/30/brisbane-broncos-smash-roosters-to-win-inaugural-holden-womens-premiership/|title=Broncos smash Roosters to win inaugural NRLW|publisher=NRL.com|first=Alicia|last=Newton|date=30 September 2018|access-date=30 September 2018}} Zahara Temara claimed the 2018 Player of the Season award.

In 2019, Rick Stone took over as coach. The club, however, failed to win a match, claiming the wooden spoon. Tallisha Harden was awarded the club's Best & Fairest Player for the 2019 season.

Jamie Feeney was appointed the head coach for the 2020 season, being determined to turn the club's fortunes around. He was assisted by Kylie Hilder and John Strange. Feeney immediately appointed Corban McGregor as the club's new captain. The club also announced the big signing of Sevens Rugby star and 2016 Gold Medalist, Charlotte Caslick.

{{Reflist}}

{{notelist}}

• {{Cite book

|first=Malcolm

|last=Andrews

|author-link=Malcolm Andrews

|title=The ABC of Rugby League

|year=2006

|publisher=ABC Books

|isbn=978-0-7333-1946-4}}

• {{Cite book

|first1=Ian

|last1=Collis

|first2=Alan

|last2=Whiticker

|author2-link=Alan Whiticker

|title=The History of Rugby League Clubs

|publisher=New Holland

|year=2004

|isbn=1-74110-075-5}}

• {{Cite book

|first=Steve

|last=Haddan

|title=The finals: 100 years of National Rugby League Finals

|year=2008

|publisher=Steve Haddan Publishing

|isbn=978-0-646-48251-4}}

• {{Cite book

|first=David

|last=Middleton

|title=Rugby League 1987–88: Official Yearbook of the NSWRL

|year=1988

|publisher=Lester-Townsend Publishing

|isbn=0-949853-11-9}}

{{Commons}}

• {{Official website|https://www.roosters.com.au/}}

{{Sydney Roosters}}

{{Sydney Roosters squad}}

{{NRL}}

{{NRL Women's Premiership}}

{{Sydney Sports Teams}}

Category:National Rugby League clubs

Category:Fan-owned football clubs

Category:1908 establishments in Australia

Category:Rugby clubs established in 1908