Theres no questioning the fact that NRL clubs rely on a whole host of people and funding to operate and survive in todays sporting landscape, but the one thing that has held true over the years of our game going from amateur to professional is its Members.
Members have been there since the start of rugby league. Sitting in the stands, reading the papers and in todays game; Tweeting or just having their voice heard however it may be that they REPRESENT.
And in honour of our great Members here at the Sydney Roosters, each week, from now until the end of the season, we will be profiling a Member.
From those that have been wearing the Red, White and Blue for 1, 2, 10, 20 or 50 years, we will be chatting with a new Member each week to find out just why they love this great Club and just why, each season, they continue to REPRESENT.
To kick of our Member Profiles we sit down with Michael Halvagi, who has been a part of our Club for 24 years and is a proud Member of the Ron Coote Club as a part of the Loyalty Program.
How long have you been a Roosters Member?
Close to 30 years, after starting to go as a young kid, but officially about 24-25 years.
What was it that saw you sign on to join the Roosters in the first place?
The eldest of my cousins was a Rooster and so we all followed him in supporting them. I remember we used to jump on the trains and buses as young kids and head to Henson Park and /or the SFS and win or lose wed be there in the corner with our flags. We loved it and still do, every game.
Who is your favourite player of all time and why?
Freddy. He came to a club that was last and used to losing and changed the whole face of the club. He transformed us into a bunch of winners. Its not just the winning, but everything about the club changed with him we went from amateur to professional and people were talking about us. Now were hated, but before that we werent even liked or hated, but since Freddy everyone has been envious of our Club. We were the last club people wanted to go to, but after Freddy everyone wanted to be a Rooster.
Which Roosters moment stands out in your mind as the best youve been a part of?
Obviously winning the premiership in 2002. But also making that first grand final with that win against Newcastle in the semi-final. Freddy putting that show on, that was the highlight. We went on to lose the big one, but that was the moment for me.
What is it that makes the Roosters better than every other NRL club?
I think we look after our players really well. I think the club is pretty good to our players and they seem happy at our club. Weve had our issues, here and there, but overall were fairly professional and look after our players well. Its a club that you want to go and play for. If you can get a contract at the Roosters, you go and play for them.
What does the Club mean to you?
For me it brings back my childhood and I re-live it all over again. Its something I grew up with and every time I head to a game, it brings it all back. If Im stressed out, with work and bills or whatever, it just takes it all away. Ill do it until the day I drop.
Where are the Roosters going to finish in 2013?
Im hoping for a Roosters and Rabbits final, because I think it would be great for the game having two foundation clubs that are such close rivals in that match. I believe well make the final and if all our players are there, well win it. Ill say premiers.
Members have been there since the start of rugby league. Sitting in the stands, reading the papers and in todays game; Tweeting or just having their voice heard however it may be that they REPRESENT.
And in honour of our great Members here at the Sydney Roosters, each week, from now until the end of the season, we will be profiling a Member.
From those that have been wearing the Red, White and Blue for 1, 2, 10, 20 or 50 years, we will be chatting with a new Member each week to find out just why they love this great Club and just why, each season, they continue to REPRESENT.
To kick of our Member Profiles we sit down with Michael Halvagi, who has been a part of our Club for 24 years and is a proud Member of the Ron Coote Club as a part of the Loyalty Program.
How long have you been a Roosters Member?
Close to 30 years, after starting to go as a young kid, but officially about 24-25 years.
What was it that saw you sign on to join the Roosters in the first place?
The eldest of my cousins was a Rooster and so we all followed him in supporting them. I remember we used to jump on the trains and buses as young kids and head to Henson Park and /or the SFS and win or lose wed be there in the corner with our flags. We loved it and still do, every game.
Who is your favourite player of all time and why?
Freddy. He came to a club that was last and used to losing and changed the whole face of the club. He transformed us into a bunch of winners. Its not just the winning, but everything about the club changed with him we went from amateur to professional and people were talking about us. Now were hated, but before that we werent even liked or hated, but since Freddy everyone has been envious of our Club. We were the last club people wanted to go to, but after Freddy everyone wanted to be a Rooster.
Which Roosters moment stands out in your mind as the best youve been a part of?
Obviously winning the premiership in 2002. But also making that first grand final with that win against Newcastle in the semi-final. Freddy putting that show on, that was the highlight. We went on to lose the big one, but that was the moment for me.
What is it that makes the Roosters better than every other NRL club?
I think we look after our players really well. I think the club is pretty good to our players and they seem happy at our club. Weve had our issues, here and there, but overall were fairly professional and look after our players well. Its a club that you want to go and play for. If you can get a contract at the Roosters, you go and play for them.
What does the Club mean to you?
For me it brings back my childhood and I re-live it all over again. Its something I grew up with and every time I head to a game, it brings it all back. If Im stressed out, with work and bills or whatever, it just takes it all away. Ill do it until the day I drop.
Where are the Roosters going to finish in 2013?
Im hoping for a Roosters and Rabbits final, because I think it would be great for the game having two foundation clubs that are such close rivals in that match. I believe well make the final and if all our players are there, well win it. Ill say premiers.
