Sydney & Wests Mark 100th Season
The 100th season of rugby league will kick-off at Aussie Stadium with a new and exciting event on Saturday, February 17th 2007.
The Sydney Roosters opens its 100th season against fellow foundation club Wests Tigers (Western Suburbs and Balmain) for the Foundation Cup.
In a unique opportunity to launch the landmark season, the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers will also be joined by fellow NSW Rugby League foundation club Newtown who will take part in the Premier League blockbuster.
The day will be a serious season opener for both clubs. To commemorate the history of the day, four of the oldest junior teams (under 8) in each district, representing Bondi United, Clovelly Crocodiles, Leichhardt Wanderers and Campbelltown City Kangaroos, will battle it out for the Junior Foundation Cup.
Wests Tigers CEO Steve Noyce confirmed while the day will be a celebration it will also be serious start to the rugby league season.
"I can assure all fans that both clubs are taking the game seriously and are keen to hold the inaugural Foundation Cup aloft.
"In recent years, Wests Tigers have been proud to hold the World Sevens trophy and the NRL premiership trophy. It would be nice to add the Foundation Cup to the growing cabinet," Noyce said.
The Foundation Cup is a joint venture between the Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers and the Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust.
Trust, CEO Jamie Barkley believes the event will be a long-term attraction.
"We are proud to be involved with the Foundation Cup which kicks off the 100th season of rugby league. It is fantastic that all parties are able to celebrate the history of Rugby League in this fashion each year," Barkley said.
"I know the players will do their part and now it is up to the fans to ensure this game becomes the traditional season opener for Rugby League fans.
"I'm particularly excited that this will be a real family day and a highly contested game representing four of the most famous clubs in rugby league history."
NRL Premiership winning forwards, Luke Ricketson and John Skandalis, the two most capped players for both the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers respectively, were on hand to officially launch the event.
Skandalis feels next year's inaugural Foundation Cup will be a tremendous experience for all players but did have one regret as he prepares to join the Huddersfield Giants next season.
"I wish the idea had been in place while I was still running around with the Tigers," Skandalis said.
"It's a great initiative that will get a big thumbs up from all the players and fans.
"With so much on the line, it certainly livens things up early in the season."
Former Roosters Captain, Luke Ricketson is excited that the big day will be the launching pad for one of the biggest years in the club's history.
"This is the perfect time to introduce a game like this in our club's 100th year."
"Every team wants to start the regular season on the front foot playing good football. What better way to prepare than playing a historical game with the Foundation Cup trophy on the line.
"It's going to be a special event and I have no doubt the Roosters and new coach Chris Anderson, will be ready and raring to go in February."
Ticketing Information:
General Admission:
Adults – $20
Concession – $10
Tickets go on sale on Thursday 12th October, tickets available from
Ticketek – www.ticketek.com.au
Sydney Roosters & Wests Tigers Season Members:
Season members from the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers can choose to exclusively purchase tickets into the following reserved bays at Aussie Stadium.
Sydney Roosters: Bay 13 & 14
Wests Tigers: Bay 11 & 12
Season members can pre-purchase their tickets into the above bays via the following methods:
1. Order your tickets together with your 2007 Membership via your Membership renewal form which will be posted to you in early November.
2. Order your tickets together with your 2007 Membership online at: Sydney Roosters Members – www.sydneyroosters.com.au, Wests Tigers Members – www.weststigers.com.au
3. Order your tickets together with your 2007 Membership
over the phone at: Sydney Roosters Members – (02) 9386 3222, Wests Tigers Members – (02) 8741 3300
4. Roosters Supporters Shop – Sydney Roosters Members can purchase their Foundation Cup tickets in person at the Roosters Supporters Shop when you present your 2007 Membership card.