Revolution Cup: Roosters in Japan, 1996
On November 24, 1996, the Sydney City Roosters took on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in an exhibition match in Tokyo for the Revolution Cup.
Visiting Team: A flock of fans arrive at training before the match, eager to understand the game of Rugby League.
In Command: Head Coach Arthur Beetson directs his youthful side at training.
Chief Fashion Executive: Former CEO Bernie Gurr poses for a photo next to an event organiser.
New Culture: Roosters players and executives enjoy touring the land of the rising sun.
Say Cheese: Roosters players pose with locals in Tokyo.
Streets of Tokyo: Club executives and coaching staff Brian Canavan (far left), Ronnie Palmer (second from left) and Bernie Gurr (second from right) pose for a photo in front of a Japanese store front.
Land of the Rising Sun: The busy streets of Tokyo came as a culture shock to a number of Roosters players, particularly those hailing from country NSW.
Indigenous Triumvirate: (L to R) Head Coach Arthur Beetson, fleet-footed back Matt Sing and Captain Andrew Walker discuss tactics at training.
Training Days: The Tricolours train in the brisk Autumn weather, with young hooker Simon Bonetti with ball in hand.
Training Drills: The Roosters ready themselves for a big match against defending Premiers, Manly.
Gearing Up: Despite the grand pasture of the training pitch, Tokyo's industrialisation is still present.
Fans Aplenty: An eager fan takes a photo with Terry Hermansson, Andrew Walker and Matt Sing.
Celebrating the Cause: The game of Rugby League was looking to expand into new markets in the mid-late 1990s, and the Revolution Cup was certainly an example. Here both squads share a dinner, with Roosters halfback Nat Wood shown on the right.
Captain's Knock: Andrew Walker captained the side in Japan, pictured here at a dinner giving a speech.
Pre-Game: Roosters players await the bus on game day on the way to the stadium.
Kicking Practice: Forward Dallas Hood gets some practice with the Steeden outside the Club's hotel.
Rockin Roosters: (L to R) A young Peter Cusack, Terry Hermansson and CEO Bernie Gurr pose for the cameras at Komazawa Stadium.
Making Waves: An eager fan holds up a match program of the event.
Tricolours and Silvertails: (L to R) Manly winger John Hopoate, Roosters five-eighth and Captain Andrew Walker, Sea Eagles second rower Steve Menzies and Roosters halfback Nat Wood catch up pre-game.
Ready to Go: Matt Sing - on a rare occasion without his headgear - looks onward.
Warm Ups: The Roosters - in their white away kit - warm up for the match, with a majority of the crowd behind them about to watch their first game of Rugby League.
Talking Tactics: The Tricolours ready themselves against the Sea Eagles, with a determined Andrew Walker ready to take a pass.
Revolutionaries: Curious spectators watch the Roosters run out for the Club's first foray into Asia.
Unknown Star: As part of the contest, both sides adopted a Japanese-based player into their side. Standing left of a Simon Bonetti is the unidentified player who represented the Red, White and Blue.
High Scoring Affair: The young Tricolours prevailed 34-30 over the star-studded Sea Eagles at Komazawa Stadium, Tokyo.
Watching On: The Roosters ready themselves for their exhibition match.
Pearls of Wisdom: Arthur Beetson consoles the side at halftime.
Bondi Wall: The Roosters defence closes in on a raid from the Sea Eagles.
Locker Room: Jimmy Smith poses for the camera post-match, with fellow forward Dallas Hood in the background.
Young Guns: A host of the Club's younger contingent made the trip to Japan, including Scott Logan, Jimmy Smith, Peter Cusack (back row).
MVP: Dallas Hood interviews the Most Valuable Player Julian Troy following the 34-30 victory in the sheds.
Post Match Chats: Andrew Walker looks over the match with teammates.
Winners: Captain Andrew Walker with the Revolution Cup.
Sydney Roosters respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
