Two of the Sydney Roosters' greatest Clubmen in Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend have been awarded Life Membership of the Club.
During the 2023 Annual General Meeting at Allianz Stadium on Thursday afternoon, Cordner (player 1119) and Friend (player 1083) were both bestowed with Life Membership by Roosters Chairman Nick Politis AM.
Both Cordner and Friend cemented their legacies as two of the greatest Roosters ever by leading the side to back-to-back premierships in 2018-19 as co-captains.
They were also key figures in the 2013 premiership-winning side.
Cordner captained his state on 10 of the 17 occasions he pulled on the Sky Blue jumper, as well as four times in his 20 outings for the Kangaroos.
Friend also represented Queensland on three occasions in 2020, winning the player's player award after leading his state to a famous series win.
I believe this Club's made me a better person.
Jake Friend Sydney Roosters Life Member
He also represented the Kangaroos in the 2016 Four Nations, defeating Scotland 30-6 in Hull.
Off the field, Friend is now the Head Coach of the Sydney Roosters Academy, leading the next generation of Roosters towards being elite players and even better men.
Cordner remains closely involved with Trent Robinson's Football Department and is a regular face at training sessions across the grades.
Both players drew the curtain on their glittering NRL careers in 2021, making it fitting they enter the illustrious group of Sydney Roosters Life Members on the same day.
Friendy and I have lifted plenty of trophies together, but it's still pretty cool to receive this honour standing alongside him.
Boyd Cordner Sydney Roosters Life Member
"It's an absolute honour to receive this," Friend said.
"I know it's only a small group of individuals, and the names in that group are pretty special people, particularly to this Club.
"I've been lucky enough to watch and learn from those people throughout my career at the Roosters, and I believe they've made me a better person.
"I believe this Club's made me a better person."
Cordner expressed similar sentiments to his long-time team mate, speaking with emotion to a crowd that included the 2023 Squad, along with the Roosters Chairman, Board and Coaching staff.
"It's hard to put into words how much this means to me," Cordner said.
"Today I was reflecting back on my career and how it went, and I couldn't help but think about the people I care about most. Without them, I wouldn't be standing here today receiving this great honour.
"I've been lucky enough to play with loads of world-class players, and for them to make me look good and drive me to be a better person, I can't thank them enough.
"Friendy and I have lifted plenty of trophies together, but it's still pretty cool to receive this honour standing alongside him."
The Club would like to congratulate both Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend on their achievement.
