The Sydney Roosters have today announced that the Club’s specially-designed 2020 World Club Challenge jerseys will be auctioned to help raise funds for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS).
The Roosters will play Super League champions St Helens to retain the title of World Club Champions at The Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens on Saturday, February 22, with kick-off at 7.45pm (Sunday, February 23 at 6.45am AEDT).
In a variation of the Club’s traditional home strip, Roosters players will wear a jersey featuring the NSW RFS logo on the front of the jersey. The jersey will also feature the NSW RFS URL on the lower back, to raise awareness and encourage donations to the NSW RFS as they continue their crucial work.
At the conclusion of the World Club Challenge match, each player will sign their match-worn jersey, with 100% of all auction proceeds to be donated to the NSW RFS.
Additionally, a limited edition Sydney Roosters World Club Challenge jersey is now available for purchase, with 100% of all proceeds to also be donated to the NSW RFS.
Joe Kelly Announces World Club Challenge Jersey Initiative
“Our thoughts are with every person and community impacted by the devastation of the bushfires,” said Roosters CEO Joe Kelly.
“I’d like to acknowledge our apparel partner, ISC, who have been incredibly supportive of the initiative. From the concept first being flagged by our coach Trent Robinson, in the very small window we had available, ISC collaborated on the design and have fast-tracked production to make this possible.
“I would like to extend our thanks to ISC Group CEO & Managing Director, Jason Schulman, and his team for their incredible assistance, and for their generosity in donating not only the playing jerseys, but all the limited edition retail jerseys, which have gone on sale today, to ensure that all proceeds are donated to the NSW RFS.
“With the World Club Challenge match being played in England, we also hope that the inclusion of the NSW RFS website on the lower back of the jersey encourages fans around the world to make a direct donation to the NSW RFS,” added Mr Kelly.
“Like all Australians, we have been looking at how we can show our support for the victims of these devastating bushfires,” said ISC Group CEO & Managing Director, Jason Schulman.
“We are proud to have partnered with the Sydney Roosters for such a worthwhile cause, and we are delighted to be able to play our part in making this happen in such a short timeframe,” added Mr Schulman.
Roosters players Boyd Cordner and Brett Morris grew up in regions which have been impacted by the bushfires, and were proud to represent the Roosters playing group to launch the initiative.
“It’s been devastating to see the destruction of the bushfires right around the country, and personally its been tough to see the impact around Taree where I grew up,” said Roosters captain Cordner.
“As players, we were very keen to look at how we could make a contribution to the important work of the NSW RFS, and we hope we can help make a difference through this initiative,” added Cordner.
Morris, who grew up in the Illawarra and South Coast region, added: “The devastation of the bushfires is not something you’d wish on anybody.
“I think this is an awesome initiative and hopefully all Roosters Members and supporters get behind it, whether it be by bidding on one of our match-worn jerseys, purchasing one of the limited edition retail jerseys or simply making a donation to the NSW RFS,” said Morris.
Details about the player-issued jersey auction will be made available in lead-up to the World Club Challenge fixture, while anyone looking to purchase one of the limited edition World Club Challenge retail jerseys can do so via the Sydney Roosters online team store (shop.roosters.com.au).
Donations to the NSW RFS can be made via: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au