Roosters Unveil 1976 Retro Edition Jersey Celebrating 50 Years of a Game-Changing Moment.
The Sydney Roosters are proud to unveil the Club's 1976 Retro Edition Jersey, commemorating 50 years since one of the most influential moments in Australian sporting history.
Retro Edition Jersey Launch 2026
Available for pre-order from 12pm on Monday, June 15, the limited-edition jersey pays tribute to the groundbreaking sponsorship agreement forged by Nick Politis AM in 1976, when City Ford became the first commercial sponsor to appear on the front of a playing jersey in Australian sport.
Fans can secure their jersey now and, thanks to UNIBET, personalise it with the name and number of their favourite Roosters player on the back.
The Roosters will proudly wear the 1976 Retro Edition Jersey when they take on the Parramatta Eels in Round 19 at Allianz Stadium.
A Jersey That Changed Australian Sport
The 1976 Retro Edition Jersey recreates the look and spirit of the original design first worn by the Sydney Roosters in 1976 during the inaugural World Club Challenge against St Helens at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
What appeared on the surface as a simple partnership logo placement would ultimately transform the business of Australian sport, putting in place a new commercial model that helped professional clubs secure sustainable funding to support players and invest in the future of the game.
Fifty years on, the jersey stands as a tribute to the vision of Nick Politis AM, whose innovation helped shape the modern sporting landscape.
The Beginning of a Global Legacy
On June 29, 1976, the Roosters defeated St Helens 25-2 at the Sydney Cricket Ground to become the inaugural World Club Challenge champions.
Over the decades that followed, the Roosters built a proud legacy in the competition, going on to become the most successful club in World Club Challenge history with five championships. The 1976 Retro Edition Jersey celebrates not only the match that launched a new era of sports sponsorship, but also the beginning of a global legacy that continues to define the Club today.
Honouring the Past, Supported by the Present
The 1976 Retro Edition Jersey proudly celebrates the original design, including the Club's original heritage logo from 1976, while recognising the support of the partners who continue to help drive the Roosters forward today.
In a unique show of support for the initiative
- BYD (BYD Auto) has adapted its branding presentation to replicate the historic City Ford style and placement featured on the original jersey.
- UNIBET has relinquished its upper back-of-jersey position to allow player names to feature in the City Ford style.
- While partners Adept Fire Protection Services and Adaptovate have implemented a wash-through treatment of their logos to preserve the authenticity of the design.
The result is a jersey that honours a defining chapter in Rugby League history while celebrating the partnerships that continue to support the Club today.
Pre-Order Now
The Sydney Roosters 1976 Retro Edition Jersey is available for pre-order from 12pm on Monday, June 15.
Supporters can also customise their jersey with their favourite Roosters player's name and number, thanks to UNIBET. Customisation orders deadline is midnight 21st June.
Celebrating 50 years since the game changed forever. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Australian sporting history.
