Roosters’ academy develops NRL stars for finals
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In Sydney, Australia, four alumni of the Sydney Roosters academy, Siua Wong, Robert Toia, Salesi Foketi, and Benaiah Ioelu, will play key roles in the team’s upcoming semi-final match against the Penrith Panthers.
The Roosters established their academy in 2021, inspired by the development programs of European soccer clubs like Barcelona FC, to cultivate more players within their organisation.
Nick Politis, the Roosters chairman, and coach Trent Robinson designed a program with assistance from former players Mitchell Aubusson and Jake Friend to foster long-term NRL players. The club regularly hosted dinners with the board members at the academy housing, building relationships with young players who were new to Sydney. The Roosters hope to eventually field a team composed entirely of players developed through their academy, recognising the growing importance of retaining talent as the National Rugby League potentially expands.
Players like Wong and Toia credit the academy with instilling a strong sense of club culture and providing them with the support needed to succeed, even when faced with opportunities to play for other teams.
