Sydney Roosters Member Nick Orchard had a hunch that he was going to be back at the footy with his father last weekend.
The 19-year-old, who is an 18-year Member, and Paul Orchard, a 31-year Member, were among the lucky Roosters Members to get the call last Thursday confirming they had won tickets to attend Saturday night’s blockbuster against the Parramatta Eels.
“I was sitting on the couch next to my father and he just started pointing over to me and I knew it,” Nick said.
“I knew it from the start we were going to go. I just had a feeling.”
The Orchards, who live in Abbotsbury in Western Sydney, travel an hour to the Sydney Cricket Ground to see Roosters home games. They have missed the game-day atmosphere of a Roosters home game, and loved being able to cheer on their side last Saturday.
“It’s been fantastic, I am really enjoying it,” Paul said.
“Just the excitement of being at the game, and the atmosphere. We love getting behind the Roosters.
“I knew we were going to come back (from the season suspension) strong.”
Although the crowd figure at Bankwest Stadium was 579, Members made it feel like there were much more; cheering on the Roosters as they defeated the Eels 24-10.
Luke and Joe Aboud, who bang their drum in the Chookpen at SCG games, were also among the lucky Members at the game and provided the beat for many chants throughout the game.
Wayne Leong was brought along as the guest of a winning ballot Member, Carolynn Bonnelli.
He brought a couple of the Chookpen’s signs to the game, including his famous “Giggity Giggity” sign that is well-known among Roosters Members and fans.
“It is amazing! It is so good,” Wayne said about being back at the footy.
“It is great having it on live TV, but being in the stands is much more fun.
“I’ve been a bit restrained at home, but I think my neighbours are happy that I am at the football rather than at home tonight.”
More Roosters Members will get to see the Roosters on Friday night, when the Club hosts the Dragons at Bankwest Stadium.
There will be another Ticketed Member ballot, which will allow Members who did not win a ticket to Saturday’s game the chance to go to this week’s game.
Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, said it was great to see and hear the support for the team at Bankwest Stadium in Round 6.
“While there were limits on the number of Members who were able to attend, it was great to see – and hear – the support of the Roosters Members who had the opportunity to be the first back to cheer on their side,” said Robinson.
“This Friday night presents another opportunity to play and represent our members, and we can’t wait to get out there,” he added.
Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said that while Saturday night’s attendance of 579 was a step in the right direction, our ultimate goal is to reward all Members with entry to games.
“It was exciting to see a small group of Members cheering on the team in a tight encounter against the Eels,” Mr Kelly said.
“Ideally, we would have loved to have had all of our Ticketed Members there to see the win over Parramatta.
“We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve received from Members, and hope to reward that support by hosting all Ticketed Members at our Round 10 Grand Final rematch against the Raiders.”
Members are encouraged to check their Member emails, visit roosters.com.au and follow Sydney Roosters on social media to keep up to date regarding access to games.
