The Roosters academy and pathways program is proving critics wrong

Critics love to bag the Roosters as a club that buys, rather than nurtures, talent but these are the numbers which will make rival fans eat their sombreros.

We will prove them wrong.

That was Nick Politis’ bold message to critics of the Sydney Roosters’ junior pathways and Academy systems.

Remarkably, the Roosters will field 12 players in Friday night’s big game against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium who joined the club before turning 18.

That’s 70 per cent of the NRL side, including the halves and entire starting pack.

It is a clear indication that the Roosters grow and nurture from within.

The 12 players are Billy Smith, Robert Toia, Sandon Smith, Hugo Savala, Nat Butcher, Connor Watson, Naufahu Whyte, Angus Crichton, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Salesi Foketi and Blake Steep.

The club’s recruitment policy was questioned over the past week with some asking whether the Roosters were freeing up pathways for their junior stars to emerge.

The criticism came after the club signed veteran Chad Townsend and the possibility of luring 36-year-old Daly Cherry-Evans from Manly to Bondi.

“I’m very proud (of the 12 players),” Politis said. “Our pathways, our investment in the academy and the people involved – it’s working.

Roosters Bred not Bought: (clockwise from top left) Connor Watson, Victor Radley, Nat Butcher, Hugo Savala, Salesi Foketi and Siua Wong.

“We just have to be patient and we’ll see a lot of good things come out of it. They are all young but they’re playing well.”

Asked for his message to detractors of his club’s pathways, Politis said: “I think we will prove them wrong. You can just see from what’s happening now that it’s coming along nicely.”

Sydney Roosters legends Jake Friend and Anthony Minichiello are involved in helping and training the emerging Academy kids.

Roosters academy players train several times a week in the morning before school or work and live in club-owned units in Kingsford, known as Sydney Roosters House.

Minichiello offers nutritional advice with house parents also helping with meal preparation and general living support.

Academy players will have breakfast at the Roosters’ Centre of Excellence inside Allianz Stadium where they have a chance to interact with the NRL squad and coaches.

Sydney Roosters Academy players, Aholoka Toia, Reece Foley, Demertrius Kilisimasi, Enzo Griffier, Jake Elliot, Beniah Ielou, De La Salle Va’a, Tyreece Tait, Peter Ben Uini, Blake Steep, at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Experienced winger Daniel Tupou played with Parramatta in the NYC but has only played NRL for the Roosters.

He is in his 14th season at Bondi.

The Roosters’ Academy was established in 2021 and identifies emerging players aged between 13 and 19.

The Roosters website states: “With a strong emphasis on development as leaders and role models in their team and community, Academy members will be held accountable for their actions both on and off the field and will receive education and support to ensure their continued development both as players and individuals.”