Once the Eastern Suburbs club (based in that part of Sydney), now the Sydney Roosters are only one of two founding clubs still plying their trade at the elite level. They have also been referred to as the Tricolours. Winning trophies have been successfully spread across their history.
Picking up the story in 2000, Graham Murray was the new coach with a positive first year 2nd place and a grand final loss. The same level wasn't delivered next season, leading to his being sacked. Ricky Stuart stepped up to the plate and went on to win the grand final in 2002 after a 3rd place in the league. A league win in 2004 was a small consolation for two grand finals losses in '03 and '04. Two poor seasons after that meant a new coach was required.
Chris Anderson was there and then gone, replaced by Brad Fittler. In 2007, the Roosters became the first club to play 100 years of first grade Rugby league in Australia. 2008 was positive but the wooden spoon was the reward for their limp effort the following season. Brian Smith had a crack at revitalising fortunes with limited success.
This heralded the arrival of Trent Robinson. Three consecutive league titles immediately followed and a grand final win in 2013 for good measure. A horror 2016 proved a mere blip as subsequent seasons show. Consecutive grand final wins in 2018-19 were also achieved. 2020 looked promising but a form drop at the wrong time had the season fizzle out to a disappointing end. 2021 followed a similar pattern if not to the same degree.
Trent Robinson's tenure as coach continues and the results are solid with him although slipping gradually before a nice jump back up for 2024. No one doubts the solidness of the team and the defense of late has been exceptional. They seem just short of the best but can never be underestimated.
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