The NRL has today announced the remaining details of the 2014 Draw, including the dates, days and times of Rounds 21-26.
With opponents and venues already decided at the season's beginning, this morning's announcement sees the completion of details for this season's draw ahead of the lead in to the Finals Series.
A mixed back of feelings has emerged from within Roosters HQ following the announcement with the Club disappointed to have missed out on a Sunday afternoon fixture at home in 2014, something COO - Commercial Ted Helliar re-iterated was a let down for Members and fans.
“Commercially the draw is disappointing. In particular for our Members, supporters and their families who have been craving Sunday afternoon football at Allianz Stadium all year and not to have hosted one is very disappointing for them and also for the Club,” Helliar said.
With four home games in the last six Rounds, Roosters Fans won't be dissapointed with the blockbusters coming their way as we host close-rivals the St George Illawarra Dragons on 2 August (Saturday night), see Daniel Mortimer return to Allianz Stadium with the Gold Coast Titans on 11 August (Monday night), welcome the 'Big Three' to town with the Melbourne Storm on 30 August (Saturday night) and close out our season with our annual clash with our arch-rivals the South Sydney Rabbitohs on 4 September (Thursday night).
In the only other fixtures of the final six see the boys travel to Leichhardt Oval on 16 August (Saturday night) to face the Wests Tigers and cross the ditch to face the NZ Warriors on 24 August (Sunday afternoon).
Further to his thoughts on no Sunday arvo footy at home in 2014, Helliar also opened up on the confirmed home fixtures announced this morning, including the mouth-watering final two matchges against the Storm and Bunnies - including the potential final NRL battle between our very own Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess - and an exciting concept planned for our Round 21 clash with the Dragons.
“Our Round 21 clash with close-rivals the Dragons was pencilled in for a Friday night but has now been moved to Saturday. We have huge plans in place for this game, working with one of the worlds largest entertainment brands that not only Roosters Members and supporters will love but people from right around the globe. It’s one of the best concepts I’ve been involved in and we as a Club can’t wait to share it in the coming weeks with the rugby league public and this concept deserves free to air coverage.”
“We wrap up the regular season with two cracking Top 8 clashes starting with the Storm in Round 25, who will bring their ‘Big Three’ and hopefully a bumper crowd. This is also our Members Appreciation Round, with our 2014 Members doing a lap of honour pre-game and we'll also be giving away a brand new Peugeot 208 Active to one lucky Member, thanks to Marrickville Prestige Smash Repairs."
"Finally, our annual Round 26 showdown with the Rabbitohs is the big one. The thought of it being the last time that two of the game's biggest names, Sonny Bill Williams and Souths Sam Burgess facing off in itself for any Fan to want to be in the stands that night."
"These games never disappoint on the field and even though it’s on a Thursday night we all need to work hard to make sure we have 40,000 in the Allianz Stadium stands for our last home game of the year and Sonny’s last regular season home game in the Red, White and Blue of the Roosters."
“Whilst the draw isn’t exactly what we hoped for we all still need to get behind the team, get up from in front of the TV and get to the game to cheer our boys into September.”
In addition to speaking with Helliar, Roosters.com.au caught up with Trent Robinson to get the thoughts of the Head Coach on how the boys will handle the draw and #TheRunHome, including his call on Fans to get behind the side as they head into September football.
"Whatever day we play, the boys will be ready and we call on our Fans to do the same and be there with us, whether it be home or away," Robinson said.
"Four of the final six are here at home and we hope to see a sea of Red, White and Blue at each."
