roostersreport

Heavy recruiting during the off-season by the club as a result of the losses, saw a number of fresh faces join the ranks. New players included Todd Payne, James Anderson (Salvo), Phil Badgery, Chris Hodgson (Prawn), Angus St John and Pete Tate to boost the strength of the team, particularly in the ruck areas, where in the prior year the team was exposed. It was suggested that the poor performances shown by the �83 Eels in their finals campaign was primarily a result of lack of heart. Coach Jack Gibson (Bruce Topham) thoroughly agreed and stated that the club targeted the newly signed players, as they are known for their ability to respond to big game pressure.

The season started well, with the Roosters proving that their attacking ability had improved over the off-season, with a big win in round 3, however over confidence resulted in the Roosters being on the wrong end of a 10-3 thrashing the very next week. A couple of weeks off saw the Roosters lose match fitness, and the next match resulted in the Roosters escaping with a 4-4 draw. The mid-season break saw the Roosters attend a training camp to work on their defensive patterns.

Returning from the Christmas break, full of commitment and a willingness to prove their worth, the Roosters were quick to stake their claim on the 1999/00 premiership with two comprehensive victories 14-4 and 13-2. Young guns coming through the ranks Tim Martin and Michael Anderson proved that the Roosters have an enormous talent pool throughout the grades, these fine players scoring 11 tries between them in just two games. The Roosters were in full swing, however off-season commitments took these young champions from the Roosters ranks, just as they were proving their talent.

The Roosters completed the remainder of the season without loss; a 2-2 draw being the closest the opposition came. However, without a minor premiership to their names, the Roosters came into the finals series confidant, but not premiership favourites.

The major semi-final saw a gruelling battle between the top two teams in the competition, with the Roosters playing a superb game to record their tenth win of the season. The opposition was shattered and they had to regroup and plan their attack for the next week.

Many feel the week off at finals time is a curse rather than a blessing, as teams consistently fall down after losing that match fitness and hunger they have accumulated during the season. The Roosters however didn�t let this worry them as they focussed on what was to be the biggest game of their lives.

Pitted against the minor premiers again in the grand final, the Roosters knew they were in for a tough battle. A cold, March Sunday morning at Queens Park set the scene for the epic battle. The Roosters came out flying, and showed the opposition that they were to be in for a sorry day. George Topham with his red hair, crossing the line first. The lead changed a number of times throughout the day, as both teams struggled to get on top. As good always prevails over evil, the Roosters came home with the trophy, with outstanding tries to George Topham, Phil Badgery, Cameron Hassall and Todd Payne.

James Anderson came away with the man of the match award as the festivities lasted well into the night.