Roosters in for a long year as punters queue up the kick the NRL’s glamour club | Bulldog’s Bite

The trolls were out in force after the Roosters’ heavy loss to the Broncos, but why do rival fans thrive on their pain and misery? This is rugby league’s tall poppy syndrome at its worst, writes DEAN RITCHIE.

What delight do fans get from tearing down the Sydney Roosters?

It’s got me buggered why rival supporters seem to thrive on any pain and misery the Roosters endure.

The ugly trolls were out in numbers after the Roosters’ heavy loss to Brisbane last Thursday night and will no doubt be death-riding them again this Friday night against Penrith.

This is rugby league’s tall poppy syndrome at its worst.

The Roosters should be admired. Rather than dance on their grave, why don’t the club’s detractors demand their own club rise to the lofty levels attained at Bondi Junction?

I guarantee fans from clubs such as Wests Tigers, Parramatta, St George Illawarra would love to replicate the Roosters’ results and premierships.

The Roosters have reached the finals 22 times in the past 29 seasons. Truly remarkable. Shouldn’t we, as a game, be lauding this imposing record?

Ugly trolls were out in force after the Roosters’ heavy loss to the Broncos in Round 1. Picture: Getty Images

I know what you will say – they are late-sipping snobs, Ferrari-driving billionaires, but surely that stereotype is long gone.

The Roosters have long been forced to endure ridiculous accusations about cheating the salary cap.

There has never been any evidence of such behaviour and the club has never been breached. So guess what? The suggestions are ill-informed rubbish.

It appears clear that the Roosters will struggle this season after losing a myriad of star players. And aren’t punters lining up to kick them.

The Roosters have only missed the finals once under Trent Robinson, in 2016. Yet suddenly Robinson can’t coach, according to the uneducated hordes.

There is a plan in place to restore the Roosters.

In 2020, before the World Club Challenge, the Roosters visited Barcelona FC, who boasted an Academy for junior and rising stars.

The Roosters were sold and returned home to buy a block of units in Kingsford which now house the next generation of NRL players.

It may take time but it will happen.

The Roosters have missed the finals just once uner Trent Robinson, yet now many are calling for his head. Picture: NRL Photos

Look at Penrith. Gus Gould chipped away at the Panthers’ juniors for years and now look at the results.

Previously the Roosters have bought their way out of trouble, dating back to Arthur Beetson, Ron Coote, Bob Fulton, Brad Fittler, James Tedesco, even Dally Messenger.

Should the club have developed a plan after losing Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu and Joseph Suaallii?

Probably, but now they want to develop from within. This year may be a struggle but the Roosters won’t be down for too long, take it as read.

Some of the vitriol hurled at the Roosters is nasty and unnecessary.

Tedesco is a NSW legend, Daniel Tupou is a champion bloke, Victor Radley loves helping footy kids, Angus Crichton has fought hard to succeed against his own demons while Lindsay Collins plays with 100 per cent commitment.

What is there to dislike about this mob?

I was with the Roosters in Los Angeles last year before Vegas and they were among the most respectful sides I’ve ever dealt with.

Rugby league often shows its true passion. It’s what we love most about our wonderful game.

But I will always be baffled why we seem to thrive on, and celebrate, watching our best teams fail.

Jealousy is a horrible trait.

DOG TREATS

Wigan star Bevan French, who lit up Vegas, has never forgotten those who helped him reach the top.

While former Eels fullback French has swapped management teams, he took time out to thank his previous agent, Allan Gainey, late last year after Wigan won the Super League grand final.

“Hey Al, just sitting here having a coffee and going through my messages. So sorry I didn’t see this earlier,” French texted Gainey.

“Thanks heaps for the kind message and playing a part in getting me to where I’m at in life. My family and I are very grateful. I hope you had a good holiday, Xmas & New Year’s. I hope you’re doing well. Cheers mate.”

Gainey said: “He’s a quality fella.”

Bevan French of the Wigan Warriors lit up Las Vegas against the Warrington Wolves. Picture: Getty Images

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What about the generosity of former Penrith forward and Sydney businessman Lou Zivanovic? Around $40,000 was raised at a fundraiser last Friday night at the Dora Creek Swampies Club for Lola Clark, a three-year girl battling Leukemia.

Zivanovic, who played 116 first grade games between 1979 and 1986, was in the audience and promptly doubled the money to $80,000. Lola’s parents are Laura and Brad Clark, a former Bulldogs player, with her grandfather being former leading broadcaster Ray Hadley.

“Ray has been a great mate for a long time and I can’t begin to thank him for all the help he’s given me at fundraisers I have held over the past 25 years that have raised millions of dollars, without ever asking for anything,” Zivanovic said.

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Four-time world boxing champ Jeff Fenech and wife Suzee made the trek west on Friday night to watch their daughter Kayla’s partner, Bradman Best, play for Newcastle against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.

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Is the Matilda’s popularity on the wane?

Calendars for 2025, featuring photos of the players, were slashed from $16 down to $3 at Target, Chatswood.

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There is talk in Shute Shield circles that the big northern beaches Anzac Day local derby between Manly Marlins and Warringah Rats could be shifted to Brookvale Oval from 2026 due to massive interest in the game.

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Sporting tour companies have already started promoting and advertising the NRL’s Las Vegas adventure for 2026.

They are promising the event will be “bigger” in 2026.

Originally published as Roosters in for a long year as punters queue up the kick the NRL’s glamour club | Bulldog’s Bite