Roosters plan a 'joke'

By Dean Ritchie
August 26, 2004

NRL club chief executives last night ridiculed and laughed at the Sydney Roosters' bid for salary cap concessions to compensate for eastern suburbs living.
Shane Richardson, chief executive of neighbouring Souths, said: "I thought it was April Fools Day."

The Daily Telegraph yesterday revealed the Roosters board would meet tonight, with sources claiming the concession request could be as much as $200,000.

Roosters officials claim the cost of living in Sydney's east was considerably higher than the cost of living for players in regional or outer-Sydney clubs.

But club CEOs were vehemently against the Roosters move.

"It's a joke," Richardson said.

Asked if the Roosters' plan could be permitted by the NRL, Richardson said: "Absolutely not. I can't believe they are serious.

"They used the Swans as an example. The Swans got concessions was because they are an expansion club. The Roosters have been in since 1908 - they're hardly an expansion club."

Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald, tongue firmly in cheek, agreed with the Roosters' idea.

"I read it was a $200,000 concession - it should be $500,000," Fitzgerald said.

"Living in the eastern suburbs means they have obligations.

"They have to spend more on hairdressers, pedicures and manicures.

"Clothes. We wear Lowes out west. They all get around in Trent Nathan.

"Restaurants. The first course at Otto equals a dinner for six at Parramatta Leagues Brassiere. Schooners out here are $2.50 compared to $7 at The Establishment.

"And the BMWs they drive demand premium petrol rather than the standard petrol for Commodores.

"All these costs mount up.

"I support the Roosters push for a substantial salary cap increase but only for the Roosters under these unique circumstances."

Canberra chief executive Simon Hawkins said every clubs has "advantages and disadvantages."

"We have trouble pulling established players out of Sydney but have an advantage attracting players from the country," Hawkins said.

"It is quite appealing living in the eastern suburbs. They would find it easier to attract players because of this.

"For every negative there is also a positive."

Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen said he read the story with a "wry smile on my face".

"Give them points for trying but every demographic has its pluses and minuses," Cullen said.

"I'm not sure all the Roosters players live in the area anyway. If they do they probably enjoy the lifestyle."

Manly executive director Paul Cummings described the Roosters concession bid as "ridiculous and stupid".

"If the NRL did approve it, it would then go for all clubs," Cummings said.

"Obviously the Roosters are serious but I don't know what about."

Wests Tigers CEO Steve Noyce added: "There shouldn't be any concessions in the salary cap."
The Daily Telegraph

Hahahaha.

Fucking Roosters.

hahahah how good is Fitzgeralds comments.... what a champ.