One Foot After The Other - The Series

The Sydney Roosters took their preparation for the 2026 season far beyond the training paddock, embarking on a powerful journey along the Kokoda Track- a place steeped in history, sacrifice and resilience.

As part of their pre-season, a group of players and staff tackled the gruelling 96-kilometre trail through Papua New Guinea’s rugged Owen Stanley Range, a trek renowned for its unforgiving terrain and deep historical significance.

What unfolded was more than a physical challenge; it was a test of character, endurance and unity.

Documented in the club’s One Foot After The Other series, the journey saw the squad push through steep climbs, dense jungle and extreme conditions. At times, fatigue and illness crept in, but the group pressed on - step by step - leaning on each other in true team fashion.

Reaching the highest points of the track and completing the final climbs became symbolic moments, not just of physical achievement, but of mental resilience.

“There were so many key messages that came from Kokoda,” said Roosters recruit  Daly Cherry-Evans.

“On a personal level, you test yourself mentally and physically. Every day there is no other option but to keep moving forward."

The Kokoda experience is inseparable from its wartime legacy. Walking the same ground where Australian soldiers once fought in 1942, the Roosters were immersed in a story of courage, sacrifice and mateship. For many, the trek offered perspective - connecting the demands of elite sport with something far greater than the game itself.

In the end, the trip wasn’t about speed or results. It was about earning every step. About understanding that leadership, like Kokoda, is forged in hardship.

And as the Roosters returned home, they carried more than just the miles in their legs—they carried a shared experience that will shape their season ahead.