Roosters players explain why they take less money to stay

Roosters players have all heard jokes about salary sombreros and brown paper bags full of money, but when you listen to them and why they want to wear the red, white and blue jersey, you quickly realize that cash has nothing to do with it.

The club have been in the firing line for the past week after it emerged that Knights winger Dom Young had decided to play with them for less money, while Penrith’s Spencer Leniu has also reportedly agreed to join them next year switch.

Premiership winner Dylan Napa has also returned to the club on a move and trial and while that doesn’t affect the cap, their incredible squad has left fans at other clubs wondering how the Roosters continue to sign top talent.

Their backline is littered with international stars, they have one of the best half-passes in the world and their pack is as brutal as it gets, but as Lindsay Collins says, money isn’t the motivating factor when it comes to the Roosters.

“I think it’s self-explanatory. If players want to squeeze the juice out of the lemon as much as possible, then they probably want to see what the conversation is about and come here and experience it to get the most out of their career,” he said.

“The more professional you become, the less you worry about money and the more you worry about winning.”

This culture has been carefully nurtured under chairman Nick Politis and head coach Trent Robinson who have managed to create something special with some of the best players in the world.

“This is such a great club,” said young striker Nat Butcher.

“You look at the guys top down where you have Nick and Robbo who are the best people at their job.

“Then you have such a great caliber of players that came before us like Boyd (Cmapper), Jake (Friend) and Aubo (Mitch Aubusson). They are legends of the game and legends of this club.

“These are players you want to play with and be like that as men too. That’s what sells it for us. The club produced great footballers but better men. That was an important reason why I came here.”

As for the jokes about the salary cap?

“You get ridiculed a little bit, but that’s one of those things. The club just know what attracts players and it’s a good way to attract good players to the club,” said Drew Hutchison.

“I’ve never had a bad day here and always come with a smile on my face. I think that’s the same as the 30 other guys here. Everyone is happy to be here and it’s a good environment to be in.”

Players are happy to sign with the Roosters for less because they know the club will always have their back.

Butcher found that out last week when there were reports that the Knights had offered to give the Tricolors to Young early in exchange for Butcher or his brother Egan.

“The fact that the Roosters shut that down right away… that’s how I felt,” he said.

“It was great to hear that. It’s crazy to sometimes feel like it’s all out of your control as to where you can go as a player. It gave me great confidence knowing the Roosters stopped that immediately.”

Lenius’ deal is expected to be announced in the coming days, with Collins declaring he is a superb fit for the Chooks, but there is no doubt about Napa’s future after the veteran’s return from an unsuccessful stint in the Super League.

The fiery forward returned to training on Tuesday, fitting in as if he had never been away.

“He brought his personality and energy and what we like about him,” Collins said of Napa, who left the Roosters in late 2018.

“I came to the club as a kid and Naps was already making a name for himself, so he was a big role model for me. To come full circle and come back, it’s really good to have him here.

“He’s a good guy, a good man and I look forward to having him for the year.”