Sydney Roosters unveil first female life member in 115-year history – Cathy King
In a historic moment, Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis will personally nominate – and induct – the first female life member in his club’s 115-year history.
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In a historic moment, Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis will personally nominate – and induct – the first female life member in his club’s proud 115-year history.
Described by Politis as a “beautiful person”, Cathy King will have her life membership discussed at a board meeting next week before final approval at the club’s AGM in February.
The Roosters’ executive manager, club operations, King has cared for players, coaches and fellow officials at Bondi for more than 30 years.
Speaking at a function last Friday to honour King’s 30-year anniversary, Politis said: “Looking at the history of life members, I think we have 78 over 115 years, they are pretty rare and normally they go to past great players, coaches and directors.
“I think you’re making history because you’re the first female to become a life member of our great club.”
The emotional function at Waverley Greens was attended by club officials, current players such as Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and ex-players, including Jake Friend, Craig Fitzgibbon and Brad Fittler.
“I was shocked when Nick made the announcement,” King said.
“Shocked was the first feeling then incredibly honoured and humbled because I know the history of the club. Words just can’t do it justice, this means the world to me.”
King is a mother figure to players and staff – a person fellow officials claim is “respected by everyone.”
She started work at Easts Leagues Club in 1993, worked across the leagues club and football club between 2000 and 2004 before moving full-time to the Roosters.
Politis spoke passionately and warmly about King’s life membership, telling her: “I’d like to make a special announcement. Cathy, to show our appreciation, at next week’s board meeting, I will be recommending that you be bestowed life membership to our club.
“You’ve earned it and you deserve it. Cathy is unbeatable and irreplaceable – 30 years is a long time.
“I think (she is) probably the longest serving Rooster in the club’s history. For a lot of players, you really are a second mother.
“You listen to them, you help them. It’s fantastic what you do for the young guys coming through and it’s greatly appreciated.
“Two words ring in my ears when I think of you. When you ask Cathy to do something, she says: ‘Too easy.’ She does things with the right attitude, quickly and efficiently.”
King’s role also involves assisting coach Trent Robinson and CEO Joe Kelly. She once worked as the club’s football manager.
“I call her the sun,” Robinson once said.
“Because everyone revolves around Cath in a good way. She’s the heart and soul of our club. Her number one thing is the club. We all know that.
“She is Roosters through and through and the club is everything to her. That’s her goal, to make everyone understand and believe in the Roosters.”
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Originally published as Sydney Roosters unveil first female life member in 115-year history – Cathy King
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