Fan-atic support behind Sydney Roosters and Victor Radley ahead of NRL Grand Final

They love the beach, their suburb and their rugby league. And this group of fanatics will be in full cry on Sunday when they get behind their man Victor Radley at the NRL grand final between the Roosters and the Raiders.

The Bronte fans plan to be loud in their support of local hero Victor Radley.

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Sydney Roosters superfan Robert Bruns has rallied the troops to be in full force - and voice - for Sunday’s NRL grand final with his fantastic 100-strong cheer squad squarely behind local hero Victor “the Inflictor” Radley.

From kids to adults - and Boo Boo the dog - these fans are some of the most dedicated in the sport and will be costumed up and in full song at the stadium and in local homes when the Roosters take on the Raiders in the NRL season decider.

Robert Bruns, bottom far left, and young Roosters fans at Bronte beach. Pic: Monique Harmer.

SURF’S UP: Father, son chasing Gold

Bruns and his mates hail from Bronte, are mostly members of the surf life saving or board riders club and are passionate supporters of home grown hero Radley.

Radley’s the people’s choice and no one will have more dedicated fans in the crowd on Sunday than the Roosters hit man.

Victor Radley of the Roosters during the NRL First Qualifying Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Picture: (AAP Image/Joel Carrett).

“He’s just a good bloke. We’ve known him his entire life,’’ said Bruns, who will decorate a friend’s home in Roosters colours this week in a further show of support.

“Having someone come through from Bronte is pretty special to us.’’

The Bronte fans plan to be loud in their support of local hero Victor Radley.

Bronte guys love their surfing, their suburb and their rugby league. Roosters fans (L-R) Hugo Savala, 17, Rocky Walker, 7 and Axel Runow, 17.

The group will have a community BBQ before making their way to Sydney Olympic Park in style - on a catamaran which will transport them up the Parramatta River to Homebush.

“Then we’ve got a double decker bus picking us up to take us to the game,’’ Bruns said.

“We will be loose. We’ll have a few songs to sing, some specific to Victor (Radley).

“It’s just a great day out with your mates, a great social thing to do.

“All my life I’ve been going to games and I love the football.’’

Bruns is a lifelong fan of the Roosters, a passion he inherited from his father.

“I was six months old when I went to my first game so I don’t remember it,’’ said the youth worker, 41.

Roosters fans, including Boo Boo the dog.

Roosters fans preparing for Sunday’s game.

He proudly proclaims his 11-year-old daughter Bobbi became the youngster ever Roosters member at just 27 minutes old. But there’s a snag.

“She’s just not interested in the game though. We joke about it. I used to take her to games but she was just more interested in climbing over the chairs,’’ he said.

Bruns is hoping for more success with his youngest daughter Freddie, age two and a half.

“She’s only little but she seems to like watching the games. She likes the colours and she’s learning the team song,’’ he said.

Roosters supporter Robert Bruns outside the decorated house last year.

As part of pre-game celebrations, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is illuminated with NRL images this week with images of NRL stars projected onto the bridge pylons until Monday night.

More than 100 players will be part of the first NRL Fan Fest which runs from Wednesday to Friday at Martin Place.

The Fan Fest features an Immersion Zone where fans can dive for a try, play video games and be involved in a range of other activities.

On Thursday the Roosters and Raiders teams will be presented on stage at 12.30pm with the Dragons and Broncos women’s teams to be presented on Friday at 12.15pm.

Roosters fans in a show of force in the match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

GRAND FINAL DAY

Gates Open: 4:45pm

NRLW Kick-Off: 5:05pm

NRL Kick Off: 7:40pm

TV

LIVE on Channel 9, Fox League and Kayo.

Luke Keary and Victor Radley of the Roosters during the NRL Preliminary Final match against Melbourne Storm.

ENTERTAINMENT

OneRepublic will headline the entertainment at ANZ Stadium with Daryl Braithwaite performing his classic Horses at halftime.

Christine Anu will perform at halftime of the Holden Women’s Premiership decider between the Dragons and Broncos.

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