Sydney Roosters & Steggles Back Seriously Ill Children and Families at Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ongoing lockdowns and the NRL’s relocation to Queensland hasn't stopped key Sydney Roosters players from backing the Little Legends at Ronald McDonald House Charities on their recovery journey. 

The unique connections between the players and families commenced in March as part of a new national partnership that aims to make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families on their treatment journey.

The initiative is part of an ongoing focus by the Roosters and Steggles to help support Aussie children’s charities which has helped raise $4.5m through the Steggles Roosters Charity Nest.

Roosters players including Angus Crichton, Victor Radley and James Tedesco kicked off the partnerships through family visits at the Randwick House pre-lockdown, which has since continued via regular Zoom calls from the Roosters’ NRL’s hub. 

Roosters player Angus Crichton said the players have been honoured to be welcomed into the House by children and families during what is a really challenging time.

“We’ve been really overwhelmed by the strength and determination of the Little Legends and the families that we’ve met so far. Hearing their stories of resilience has been really inspiring,” said Crichton.

“Which is why we’re really proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House and Steggles on this ongoing partnership. It might be virtual for now, but we hope we can make a meaningful impact on their lives, even if it’s just a laugh or smile,” he added.

Simone Daher CEO RMHC Sydney, said, “The relationship that we have with the Steggles and the Roosters has been an impactful one, especially in these times when families are even more isolated due to COVID stay at home restrictions.

“We’ve seen first-hand that the players are genuinely connected with the kids and we hear lots of laughter coming from the Zoom connections. Creating that kind of energy is hard over Zoom, but the players are naturally making these sessions fun and interactive. It's great to see and hear. We look forward to when we can them all back in the House again,” said Daher.

Roosters Dedicate Next Game to Little Legends

The Sydney Roosters said they will run out in honour of all the Little Legends at Ronald McDonald House at their Round 24 match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Friday, August 27.

“While some may think playing 80 minutes of professional footy is tough physically and mentally, it’s nothing compared to the strength the kids and their families have shown us,” said Roosters captain James Tedesco.

“We will be thinking about each and every one of the kids going through treatment and recovery and we hope to bring them home a win,” he added.

The game is part of the annual Steggles Roosters Charity Nest round, which normally is held at the Roosters’ final home game of the regular season to celebrate and fundraise for children’s charities.

We’re really proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House and Steggles on this ongoing partnership. It might be virtual for now, but we hope we can make a meaningful impact on their lives, even if it’s just a laugh or smile.

Angus Crichton

Steggles Charity Nest Hits $4.5m to Children's Charities

Ahead of the upcoming game, the Roosters and Steggles announced that the Steggles Roosters Charity Nest has hit a key milestone of $4.5m donated to Australian children’s charities since the initiative started in 2010.

The amount was raised through an initiative that sees Steggles donate $1,000 and Roosters donate $250 for every margin point the Roosters win by. The initiative has supported a range of children’s charities including Children’s Cancer Institute, Lifestart and The Children’s Hospital Foundation Brisbane.

The initiative has also found ways to create value which isn’t just about the donations, including the new Ronald McDonald House Charities partnership that has captured the most heartfelt experiences.

Steggles Head of Marketing, Yash Gandhi, added: “This milestone is a true testament to our partnership with the Rooster’s that has enabled us to support the great work that Australian

Children’s Charities do every day. We look forward to continuing this work to drive much-needed funds and awareness to their great cause.”