Roosters and Stuart agree to end association

The Sydney Roosters and Head Coach Ricky Stuart have agreed to mutually end their association with effect from next Monday, September 3.

To bring an end to media speculation concerning the Roosters coaching position that surfaced over the weekend and the subsequent damage caused to the reputations of both Ricky Stuart and the Sydney Roosters, Stuart’s manager John Fordham met with Roosters chairman Nick Politis this afternoon in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

The agreement subsequently reached will mean that Ricky Stuart will coach the Sydney Roosters for the final time against the St George Illawarra Dragons at the SCG next Saturday night.

As part of the agreement, the Sydney Roosters will honour all entitlements due to Ricky Stuart to October 31, 2007.

Sydney Roosters Chairman, Nick Politis said, “Ricky Stuart will always have a special place in Roosters history, having won a premiership in 2002, three grand final appearances and a minor premiership.

“Ricky has every reason to be proud of the impact he has made at the Roosters on and off the field. He has been a credit to the game, the club and his family.

“We wish Ricky well as Australian Coach in the Tri Nations and he will always be welcome at our club,” concluded Politis.

Ricky Stuart, who coached the Roosters to three successive grand finals and the club’s first premiership in his first year (2002), said this afternoon the agreement reached with the club was the most obvious outcome for both parties.

“Considering the circumstances, it was in the best interests of both parties to bring an end to this debate that was causing a lot of damage.”

“In saying that, let me make it clear that this is indeed one of the saddest days in my football career although I feel I can leave the Roosters with my head held high as we – the players, the coaching staff and the club itself – have achieved a high degree of success in the past five years.”

“Although the last two years, in particular, have been very difficult for reasons that are fairly well known, there has never been a drop-off in the desire and professionalism of the players and the coaching staff to achieve success.”

“The Roosters are in a rebuilding phase with lots of promising but inexperienced young players who are willing to put up their hands up and provide the platform for a more competitive club as they reach player maturity.”