In the lead-up to their final game (at least as a permanent home ground) at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson pondered what if the walls could talk in the dressing rooms beneath the Members' Stand.
For the Tricolours, their four-year stint at the ground will tell a tale of success with their record 72-6 demolition over the Wests Tigers their 23rd win at their COVID-interrupted stint at the ground while only recording nine loses.
The Roosters return to the new Allianz Stadium brings an end to their time at the spiritual home of rugby league but not before serving up a plethora of highlights for the red, white and blue faithful.
After losing their opening game at the ground to Souths Sydney, the Roosters turned the SCG into a fortress on their way to back-to-back premierships in 2019 with 10-consecutive wins at the ground, including a clinical 30-6 win against rivals Souths in the qualifying final and a preliminary final win against Melbourne widely regarded as one of the best games of the best decade.
From the spectacular to the sombre, the Roosters tenure at the SCG has had it all.
Who can forget Joey Manu finishing off one of the great team tries against Brisbane? Or Sonny Bill Williams gracing the hallowed turf on his return to the NRL in 2010. Then there was Sam Walker’s man of the match display in the Bondi Blue jersey on Anzac Day and the NRLW taking to the ground for the first time as part of the delayed 2021 season.
Mitch Aubusson scoring a try in his record-breaking game for the club is one of the more special moments in the Roosters time at their home away from home. Aubusson along with Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend, Mitchell Aubusson, Cooper Cronk, Brett Morris and Josh Morris all called time on their careers during the Roosters time at the cricket ground.
Joseph Suaalii’s exploits in the air and in defence has been a highlight of the current campaign for the Roosters.
The Roosters saved their biggest win for their final game with a 12-try clinic over the Wests Tigers. It was their 16th win by more than 30-points, with Daniel Tupou adding two tries to take his tally to a team-high 20 at the venue.
“It was really humbling to walk into the SCG; we might be there at some point in the future but it won’t be our home like it is. I feel really privileged,” Robinson said.
“A lot of us have come here as a young guy and watched either rugby league or cricket or the Swans and we have just really enjoyed coming to this ground and sitting in those sheds.”
Roosters back-rower Nat Butcher said he has “loved” playing at the SCG.
“The SCG has always felt like my home field,” said Butcher, who had his full season in first grade in 2019.
“It’s a bit sad to go but I’m looking forward to new Allianz.”
What a night for Nat Butcher
