I was able to get my hands on the email Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis sent to new coach Trent Robinson, which was the catalyst for Robinson signing up with the Bondi club.
Hey Trent,
How would you feel about coming to Sydney to coach the Roosters?
Yeah, I know we were bad last year but we’re adding an international strike weapon centre, one of the world’s best forwards and a quality playmaking five-eighth.
Excellent. See you soon.
-Click-.
Okay, maybe that wasn’t the actual transcript of the email from Politis to Robinson, but you get the idea.
Robinson didn’t have to think twice at the time even without the addition of Jennings, but he’s now walking into a pretty solid situation at ‘the Jungo’ (that’s Bondi Junction for all those not living in God’s country).
The Roosters weren’t short of talent last year – just discipline and a willingness to do the little things that help a team win – like holding onto the ball and tackling well.
The excitement co-mingled with relief at the sight of effective cavalry arriving and anyone not called Smith at the helm will bring a new sense of commitment and discipline to said cavalry.
This should be a scary thought for opposing coaches given the strike-power, size and speed this team could throw at you, especially once Tautau Moga returns mid-season.
The only problem now will be ditching Anthony Minichello for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck or Moga at fullback, which must be done.
I’m of the belief that rep players get as much out of the game as they give to it, which is why I don’t have a problem with clubs letting former champions go when their time is up, as the Roosters should have done with ‘Mini’.
Give the guy a gala dinner. Name a floor after him at the Leagues club. But don’t keep him at fullback when you have more exciting options ready to go.
If sentimentality had a place in professional sports, the Roosters would still be called Easts, be playing at the old Sports Ground and Brad Fittler would be coach. Which would be tragically entertaining.
stormtrooper4
Guest
so is Michael Jenning going anywhere or not? And more importantly who cares?
Haz
Guest
Was Brian Smith really a good disciplinarian? He should have kept Carney in hand a lot better, rather than letting him and Nate Myles get themselves into trouble.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
MG Nick actually phoned Trent in the early hours of the morning. The fact that the Jennings coup made the press prior to the deal being done has caused a problem and may scuttle it. Here is the roosters big problem: They DONT have anyone capable of running the team, and given they have the NSW halfback may tell you why the Blues cannot win a series. Pearce is a good club player, but he needs help and Maloney could not organise sex at Stilettos. He is a runner and nothing more. The mail on Tautau Moga is not good and he is no good thing to play this year. If the Roosters do not get Jennings, then Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will play centre which leaves our mate Anthony Minichiello at fullback. Tuivasa-Sheck is a must at fullback if the Roosters are going to make the semis, and the other options at left centre apart from Jennings are Mitch Aubusson and my preference, Sonny Bill Williams.
Terry Kidd
Guest
You mention that the Roosters lacked discipline. Brian Smith has always been known as a disciplinarian, so why did the side lack discipline? And Jennings is known for his discipline? Hmmm I must read the wrong news stories and watch the wrong games. I reckon the Roosters will over achieve if they finish better than 10th.
Gene Brewin
Guest
You Rorter supporters might need to slow down and not get ahead of yourselves. There is NO way you guys could fit Jennings under your very, uhm, fluid salary cap, but more so, the apparant disparaging remark made by Gus about "Jennings" was actually in regards to Thunder player Chris (useless) Rogers :). Yes, I subscribe to Twitter too. I hope there isnt an ashen face reporter back tracking from his claim that this is a done deal LOL........
acorn
Guest
Who is this Trent guy? He will need to were fluro sunnies skinny jeans and drink cafe lattes if he is going to fit in.
Addington
Guest
Agree wholeheartedly ......love Mini to bits but he aint no Billy Slater and his clocked has ticked over its 'best by' date.
The no. Three
Guest
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck plays till round four and does ancle ligaments, comes back and three weeks later then does a shoulder.Tautau Moga finds out that he wont return till round 17. I reckon patience is a virtue, lets not be too hasty in getting rid of the 2013 captain just yet.