Over 3,000 fans welcomed in the Sydney Roosters’ 99th season at tonight’s massive Gala Public Launch - leaving Ricky Stuart’s troops pumped heading into next weekend’s NRL opener against South
Roosters fans from all over NSW and the ACT converged on Aussie Stadium – and left thrilled after meeting their heroes and
witnessing five-star performances from Casey Donovan, Luke Ricketson and Dancing With the Stars partner Eliza Campagna, the brand new SkyNet Sydney Roosters Cheersquad and Andy from Jellybean Jam with the Ant Hill Mobb.
New recruit Braith Anasta said he was thrilled with the reception he received after his first mass-meeting with Roosters fans.
“They’ve been great to me all night,” Anasta said.
“I’m just looking forward to getting out and doing my best for the Roosters – the fans have made it a great night for the boys.”
Aside from the non-stop on-stage entertainment, youngsters had the opportunity to play the new XBOX 360 with Sia Soliola and Amos Roberts, on jumping castles, obstacle courses, the gladiator podium, have their face painted, participate in junior coaching clinics and play some footy of their own on the hallowed turf of Aussie Stadium!
And the all-new night-time event received two thumbs up from Roosters fans.
“It was just fantastic,” said Mario Ripepi, who came from Liverpool for the event.
“I’ve been coming for five years now and this has been the best one.
“My boys got to meet Ashley Harrison, Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichiello – who is Vince’s favourite player.
“And now we’ve just been running about playing some footy together on Aussie Stadium – how often can you do that?”
Con Kellis, whose family travelled from Bexley, agreed.
“It’s been fantastic – a great night of entertainment,” he said.
“There was a really good atmosphere here at night time and it was a lot easier for us to get here after work.”
Former skipper Ricketson received the cheer of the night after a flawless jive with Campagna.
“He’s going very well – he’s very easy to work with,” Eliza said.
Roosters coach Ricky Stuart revealed his charges can’t wait to rip in to Souths next Sunday.
“We’ve been ready to play for four or five weeks now,” he told the large crowd.
“We’ve put in a lot of hard work over the off-season and now the guys are itching to go.”
And so to are Roosters fans everywhere!
Youngsters Heath Toon and Melissa Russell, both long-time Roosters fans, made an early trip in from Penrith to ensure they didn’t miss the occasion.
“We left home at 4:30 to be here,” Heath revealed.
“It was a great night – I just met the cheerleaders and got a photo with them.
“We had a great time.”
Thank you to all of the Roosters fans and volunteers who helped create such a special feeling heading into the Roosters’ 99th season!
Photos from the site
