The Sydney Roosters have ten squad members currently completing university degrees across the Australian Catholic University, University of Technology Sydney, Western Sydney University, and Macquarie University.
The different studies range from business and economics, building construction management, aswell as sport and exercise science disciplines.
During the first semester in 2017, our players achieved an overall Credit grade point average, a testament to their discipline and hard work.
Our Sydney Roosters athletes are supported in the coordination of their studies by their Sydney Roosters Career Coach, Academics, Elite Athlete Coordinators, and the NRL Graduates of League Program.
The NRL Wellbeing and Education team fund the Graduates of League program to support contracted NYC and NRL players to succeed in tertiary education through dedicated peer tutors.
The success of our athletes would not be possible without the support provided by the Elite Athlete Coordinators and NRL Graduates of League program.
Elite Athlete Coordinators help our squad members with timetable allocation and assessment coordination around their demanding rugby league commitments, while also coordinating tutoring funded through the Graduates of League program.
Ceran Nilsen, Elite Athlete Coordinator at ACU speaks highly of the success of the Graduates of League program.
“Luke Keary is an excellent example of why the Graduates of League program is important and works, " she said about Keary's success.
"Over the last 3 years I have seen Luke grow and take on his own accountability for his future and with the guidance from the GOL facilitators, his future looks bright,” she added.
One of the other Sydney Roosters players studying at university is Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu, who is currently completing a Bachelor of Accounting at Western Sydney University.
Joseph previously completed a Certificate IV and Diploma in Accounting at TAFE before starting at Western Sydney University this year.
He is also working part-time in the Sydney Roosters accounting team, being mentored by Deanne Michailidis (Assistant Accountant) and Manuel Vlandis (Financial Controller).
They have been impressed with Joseph’s work ethic, with Manuel Vlandis sending high praise towards the young NYC prop.
“He is always on time, communicates well, picks up tasks quickly, thorough with the work he is given and even brings his own calculator to work,” he said of Joseph's development.
The Sydney Roosters look forward to continuing to build worthwhile pathways for our athletes to achieve success on and off-the-field.