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Do the Roosters have a culture problem?

29th January, 2016
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(AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Roar Guru
29th January, 2016
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1325 Reads

While it’s not irregular for NRL players to be plastered over the back pages thanks to their actions off the field, one club finds their players there a lot more than others. So is there an ingrained problem in the culture of the Sydney Roosters?

In short, the answer must be yes.

An examination of the personnel who have called the Bondi club home in recent times reflects a worrying trait of off-field misdemeanours and societal entitlement.

More Mitchell Pearce:
» The new and improved NRL Code of Conduct
» Mitchell Pearce speaks for first time following Australia Day scandal
» Whatever Pearce’s punishment, make sure he learns from it
» Pearce faces anxious wait on NRL career
» Roosters stand down disgraced captain Mitchell Pearce
» Footage emerges of Pearce simulating sex act with a dog

Mitchell Pearce’s latest indiscretion was just the latest in a long line of incidents dealt with by Roosters management.

Currently, the Roosters boast the likes of Blake Ferguson, Jake Friend, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and, until recently, Michael Jennings, all of whom have had some form of legal infringement off the pitch.

Not to mention Roosters old boys Nate Myles, Joel Monaghan, Sonny Bill Williams, Sandor Earl and the controversy magnet that is Todd Carney, who each had their own issues.

It’s obvious from results that the Roosters have no problems on the field, having added the last three minor premierships to an already impressive trophy cabinet.

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However, concentrating on on-field performance has seen a neglect of players’ off-field behaviour.

Now former Pearce seems destined to be made an example of, thanks to his inappropriate, boozed-up actions in the video which surfaced.

Obviously Pearce’s offences are considerably worse than some who came before him, although that’s probably owing to the fact that his actions were filmed and plastered all over the internet and television for the world to see.

It then stands that Pearce should be punished harshly by his club.

However, perhaps the Roosters have bigger fish to fry, and should be focusing on a problem which seems intrinsic at their football club.

Something must be done at Easts to ensure this issue is solved, and no more of their players end up the latest poster boy for lewd and reprehensible behaviour.

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