Central Districts Rugby League Club celebrates 40th anniversary

FOR the past decade, Central Districts Rugby League Club has been like family for Anselm Fatiaki. Now he is helping the Roosters celebrate their 40th year.

Central Districts Rugby League Club players Natahlia Te Hun, Anselm Fatiaki and Matt Paulsen will celebrate the Roosters’ 40th anniversary. Picture: Matt Loxton

FOR Anselm Fatiaki, Central Districts Rugby League Club is like his family.

Fatiaki walked into the club more than a decade ago after relocating to Adelaide from Canberra for work and was overwhelmed with how well members embraced the then newbie.

“I had played rugby league all my life prior to living in Canberra,” Fatiaki, 35, says.

“I lived in Queensland and played rugby there, so it was only natural for me to seek out a new club in Adelaide.

“For me, because I don’t have any family here, the players and their families have become my family over the years and we have a pretty tight bond on and off the field.

“I was welcomed into the club with open arms and it was different to anything that I had ever experienced at rugby clubs around the country.”

Fatiaki is not only president of the club but also plays half back in its senior team.

As the Roosters prepare to celebrate their 40th anniversary tonight Fatiaki says he is fortunate to be part of a club with such a rich history.

“It’s a significant milestone,” Fatiaki says.

“We are one of two foundation clubs left in the competition.”

Fatiaki has been part of the club’s past four consecutive premierships.

With the Roosters sitting second on the division one table with two games left in the minor round, he is quietly confident the side has what it takes to claim a fifth-straight flag.

“We had a lot of new players come to the club this year and have spent most of the season gelling together, but we are really starting to hit our straps,” Fatiaki says.

“We have equalled the number of premierships other clubs have won in a row and if we claim a fifth premiership that will put us above the rest.

“It will be special to win in our 40th year.”

Central Districts Rugby League Club will celebrate its 40th anniversary at its home base at Argana Park, Elizabeth Downs, on Friday, from 7pm.

The club will host a dinner as part of the celebrations and honour past players.