Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson signs four-year contract extension with Bondi club
THE Sydney Roosters have responded to rumours that Ivan Cleary could take over as head coach by extending Trent Robinson’s contract by four years — and his reign could last even longer.
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The Sydney Roosters have extended coach Trent Robinson’s contract by four years and want him to become the Sir Alex Ferguson of the NRL.
Roosters boss Nick Politis reached an agreement for Robinson to coach the club until the end of the 2022 season more than three weeks ago.
It will take his tenure at the club to 10 years as head coach and puts to bed rumours of an Ivan and Nathan Cleary package deal at Bondi Junction next year.
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“Robbo could be here for as long as Sir Alex Ferguson coached Manchester United,” Politis said.
It’s a remarkable statement given Ferguson managed the Red Devils for 27 years, from 1986 to 2013.
“There is no need to keep turning over coaches. That was what we did in the old days.”
Robinson told The Sunday Telegraph he had always ignored speculation about his future.
“We’ve pretty clear about what we’re working towards,” he said.
“You want to be a great club, win comps and stay strong and successful.
“We didn’t feel like we had to make a big announcement but it’s all done.
“It will be 10 years by the time the contract finishes.”
The Roosters used to be known in the NRL as a transit lounge for coaches and players.
Before Robinson started the Roosters had four coaches in a six-year period from 2006 to 2012 — Ricky Stuart, Chris Anderson, Brad Fittler and Brian Smith.
Robinson won a premiership and Dally M coach of the year in his first season.
Meanwhile, the Roosters have laughed off a report that halfback Cooper Cronk will quit the NRL at the end of this season, a year earlier than expected.