Canberra Raiders given hearty feast in Roosters territory
The Canberra Raiders have moved into the heart of Sydney Roosters territory in Paddington ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final.
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Canberra brazenly spent grand final eve in the heart of enemy territory.
The Raiders snuck into Sydney’s eastern suburbs for a round of golf at Moore Park just across the road from the Roosters’ training ground followed by a secret team dinner on Friday night.
The Daily Telegraph was on-the-spot to exclusively capture Canberra players tucking into slap-up meal that included roast chicken at the famous Four In Hand Hotel in Paddington ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster showdown with the Sydney Roosters.
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Canberra coach Ricky Stuart and his manager, well-known Sydney character John Fordham - a business partner at the hotel - organised the dinner in a private room filled with green balloons.
The Four in Hand executive chef, Dean Sammut, even spoke with Canberra’s nutritionist, Travis Ronaldson, to ensure the players ate healthy food.
Roosters players would have felt uncomfortable knowing the opposition rivals were eating together just around the corner.
“John offered his hospitality to the boys and I wanted to find somewhere we could go and relax and have some downtime,” Stuart told The Daily Telegraph.
“The players really enjoy spending time with each other. It’s been a busy week but a great week.”
To ensure privacy, Four In Hand staff weren’t told of Canberra’s visit until just before players arrived.
Raiders players consumed Poached Salmon, Radish, Cucumber, Fennel, Garden Herbs and English mustard dressing along with Roasted Brined Chicken, Caramelised Shallot, Garlic and Preserved Lemon.
There was also Whole Roasted Riverine Sirloin of Beef with Mustard and Relish along with Miso Roasted Chat Potatoes, Grilled Corn on The Cob, Chilli and Lime Butter.
Some even opted for Green Bean, Almonds, Figs, Vin Cotta, Rocket and Parmesan Salad, Spanish onion and Balsamic.
The hotel played Tina Turner’s Simply The Best as players arrived. The food was plentiful but the beers scarce – players on a booze ban so close to the big game.
Fordham and Stuart are mates with Four In Hand owner, John Azar.
“Once the Raiders locked in a grand final spot, John Azar and I immediately offered to host a special private dinner for the team as part of its big game preparation and to also give the players a special experience in the heart of enemy territory,” said Fordham.
Stuart’s long-term management agency, The Fordham Company, has a business partnership with the Four In Hand Hotel and its sister hotels.
“The opportunity to play in a grand final is something many players don’t get to experience,” said Azar.
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“Seeing Ricky and his Raiders enjoy such a hearty meal at such an iconic location will hopefully add a positive note to their preparation for Sunday.”
The Raiders will shift from their city hotel base to Sydney Olympic Park – just a few hundred metres from ANZ Stadium - on Saturday.
“The nation’s capital has come alive, it has a real heart and soul whenever the Raiders appear in the finals.” said Raiders legend, Bradley Clyde.
“Canberra has a really good, well-balanced team. There are players there that have developed into leaders.”