Sydney Roosters open Centre of Excellence at Allianz Stadium

The NRL’s Sydney Roosters have officially opened their new Centre of Excellence at Allianz Stadium.

Named after the club’s longstanding Chairman, Nick Politis, the new facility will be home to the Roosters’ NRL and NRLW teams and provide grassroots players access to a high-level training hub.

The $5.7 million facility is expected to be the Club’s home for at least the next 25 years.

Speaking at the official ribbon cutting for the Nick Politis Centre of Excellence yesterday evening, NSW Minister for Sport Alister Henskens stated “this new facility … will help boost female participation and support player development, strengthening the Clubs ties with its Eastern Suburbs and inner-city heartland.

“The Sydney Roosters are one of league’s foundation clubs and plays a vital role in fostering growth in the game, from the grassroots right through to elite men and women’s rugby league.

“The centre will ensure the legacies of Arthur Beetson, Ron Coote and Jack Gibson live on, inspiring future players, and see the Roosters remain a force in the NRL and NRLW competitions for years to come.”

Located within Allianz Stadium’s east stand, the Centre of Excellence includes a large strength and conditioning gym, medical facilities, team theatrette and a club museum and library as well as multipurpose community facilities to support the expansion of the club’s community programs.

Advising that the new Centre has been designed with every consideration for elite athlete performance, Sydney Roosters Chief Executive, Joe Kelly commented “it’s a testament to our Chairman, Nick Politis AM, that we have established our permanent home within the Moore Park precinct which has always been home to the Sydney Roosters

“We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have a permanent base within Sydney’s premier ground, Allianz Stadium, and extend our thanks to the NSW Government for their funding contribution which has greatly assisted us to build our facility.”

Politis added “it’s no secret how much the Sydney Roosters means to me, and I am genuinely humbled to see my name at the entrance to our wonderful new Centre of Excellence.

“I was elected Chairman of the Club in May 1993, and it makes me incredibly proud to see where we are today, 30 years later.

“I take so much pleasure from my involvement with the Club, and would once again like to thank my board for this wonderful honour.”

Over 160 people attended the Centre for the unveiling, coinciding with the 115th anniversary of the day the Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club was formed at Paddington Town Hall.

Image: NSW Minister for Sport Alister Henskens (left) with Roosters Chairman Nick Politis at yesterday's opening of the Nick Politis Centre of Excellence.