Sydney Roosters officially open Coast connection and announce women’s team

The Sydney Roosters have announced a women’s team under the Central Coast banner and have given locals an insight into their Central Coast HQ.

Roosters player Matt Ikuvalu with Erina Eagles juniors Billy Sands and Tyrone Sayers at Central Coast Roosters Gala Opening Saturday 29th February 2020 at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance campus. Picture: Sue Graham

The Sydney Roosters have continued to expand their involvement in rugby league on the Central Coast with the launch of its inaugural women’s team in the 2020 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.

Central Coast Roosters players Isabelle Kelly (l) and Jayme Fressard, with Central Real chief executive Richard Ellis.

Playing under the Central Coast Roosters banner, the team is based at the Roosters’ high-performance facility at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, The Entrance campus.

The announcement came hot on the heels of the Central Coast Roosters gala opening, held on February 29 at the school grounds.

Koby Houghton and Ronan Hope at Central Coast Roosters Gala Saturday 29th February 2020 at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance campus. Picture: Sue Graham

Erina Eagles under-12s at Central Coast Roosters Gala Opening Saturday 29th February 2020 at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance campus. Picture: Sue Graham

Sisters Shyla, 9, and Leylani, 6, with Zahli Callaghan, 8, at Central Coast Roosters Gala Saturday 29th February 2020 at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance campus. Picture: Sue Graham

The event included a nines knockout competition for under-12 teams, an opportunity to meet Roosters players – including Central Coast junior Matt Ikuvalu and the chance for fans to view the NRL premiership and World Club Challenge trophies, as well as inspect the facilities.

The Roosters then played an NRL trial at Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, against Newcastle that evening.

Wyong Roos v The Entrance Tigers under-12s at Central Coast Roosters Gala Opening on Saturday 29th February 2020 at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance campus. Picture: Sue Graham

Wyong Roos v The Entrance Tigers u12s at Central Coast Roosters Gala Opening Saturday 29th February 2020 at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance campus. Picture: Sue Graham

The Central Coast Roosters women had been working hard under coach Karen Stuart in the pre-season but are now being co-coached by John Strange and Kylie Hilder. A former Jillaroos player and coach, Stuart made the “bloody hard” decision to step down due to a change in her work circumstances.

Central Real has come on board as the major partner of the Roosters women’s program, which features local talents including Isabelle Kelly and Jayme Fressard.

Central Coast Roosters will begin their 2020 campaign on Saturday, March 14 when

they take on Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at PointsBet Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Central Coast Roosters SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams continue their 2020 campaign on Saturday against Balmain at Morry Breen Oval, Kanwal, while the Andrew Johns Cup and Laurie Daley Cup sides are away to Parramatta, also on Saturday.