Five of the best Roosters moments in history

In the lead up to Friday night’s bitter clash between Souths and Easts, we’ve compiled five of the best moments in Sydney Roosters history.

Brad Fittler races away for a try. picture: Mark Evans. Source: News Corp Australia.

BITTER rivals Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs will meet in a preliminary final that has been 76 years in the making.

The epic clash between south and east is by far the most anticipated match of the year.

Among the many sub plots including Anthony Minichiello’s retirement and the potential for this to be the last NRL game for either Sonny Bill Williams or Sam Burgess, there’s also a chance for this to be among either side’s greatest triumphs.

So, in the lead up to Friday night’s clash we compiled five of the best moments in Sydney Roosters history.

1. 2002 GRAND FINAL

Sydney Rosters captain Brad Fittler, Luke Ricketson and Brett Mullins hold up the trophy in 2002. Picture: Lindsay Moller.

IT was an epic victory for so many reasons. The tricolour’s 12th premiership was their first in 27 years. The win over Auckland Warriors gave Roosters legend Brad Fittler his only title with the club and kept the Provan-Summons Trophy on Australian shores.

2. 2013 GRAND FINAL

Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello celebrates with team mates after victory during the 2013 NRL Grand Final. Picture: Getty Images.

The club’s first premiership in 11 years on the back of marquee signings including Sonny Bill Williams, Michael Jennings, James Maloney, Luke O’Donnell and Sam Moa. It was Trent Robinson’s first year as coach of the side.

3. THE BRAD FITTLER COUP

To this the following year.

Brad Fittler went from this in 1995.

He remains the golden child of the Roosters, even though he retired in 2004. The Penrith product was snatched from the Panther’s claws in 1996 and it paid dividends for the Roosters for years to come.

They were a mainstay at the top of the NRL ladder and played four grand finals in five years — winning one.

4: GRAND FINAL THUMPING OF ST GEORGE

Captains Arthur Beetson and Graeme Langlands after Easts v St George 1975 first. Picture: News Corp Australia.

Captain Arthur Beetson is chaired from field after Easts defeated Canterbury in 1974 first grade grand final. Picture: News Corp Australia.

The 1975 Grand Final against St George saw the Roosters walk away 38-0 winners in the first game to be broadcast in colour television.

It was a battle of the immortals with Arthur Beetson vs. Grahame Langlands. But the showdown didn’t live up to the hype with Langlands, wearing white boots, was struggling with his coordination following a pain injection that numbed his right leg and affected his play.

5. THE EARLY DAYS

Dally Messenger in circa 1908.

The Roosters have a strong history and are the only foundation club (formed in 1908) that has played in every senior rugby league season. They were the first club to win three consecutive premierships in 1913. The side included rugby league icons Dally Messenger and Harry “Jersey” Flegg.