One of the greatest Roosters in the modern era, Luke Ricketson epitomised the Club's professionalism and transition into the 21st century.
| Name: | Luke Douglas Ricketson |
| Nickname: | Ricko |
| DOB: | 05/02/1973 |
| Club Debut: | Round 22, 1991 vs Penrith Panthers |
| Roosters Player No. | 884 |
| First Grade Games for Club: | 301 (1991-2005) |
| First Grade Points for Club: | 162 from 40 tries and one goal |
| Premierships: | 1 (2002) |
| Representative Career: | 3 games for NSW City (1996-97, 2003) 4 World Cup matches for Ireland (2000) 6 Tests for Australia (2003) |
| Individual Accolades: | Jack Gibson Medal (1997) James Mathews Clubman of the Year (2000) Sydney Roosters Captain (2005) Second Player to Reach 200 Game Milestone for Club (2002) First Player to Reach 300 Game Milestone for Club (2005) Sydney Roosters Centurions (2007) Third Most Games for Club (301) |
The son of 1960 Grand Finalist Doug Ricketson and a local junior with Bondi United, Luke Ricketson graduated in an esteemed fashion through the Club's junior grades, making his first-grade debut in the final round of the 1991 season. Such was his promise and prowess, the 18-year-old was plucked straight from President's Cup side without having played in second grade.
Playing out wide in his youth, the rangy centre plied his trade in the Eastern Suburbs' backline through the formative years of his career, but it would be season 1995 which saw a grand transition for both him and the Club.
Now with a larger frame and high work ethic to boot, the 22-year-old made the transition to the engine room through the season as a ready-made second rower, and it was no surprise that with his own coming of age, the Club became a powerhouse of the competition the following year.
Although injury impacted his 1996 season - limiting him to just 14 appearances - it would be the last time the barnstorming backrower would play less than 20 matches in a season. Despite this, a representative debut came as he wore the City Origin jersey for the first time.
Named as the Club's best player in 1997 with the Jack Gibson Medal and now one of the premiere backrowers in the competition, Ricketson's game grew to another level as the Sydney City Roosters continued their elusive search for a Premiership, playing 24 matches and guiding the side to the Preliminary Final.
In 1999 Ricketson was rewarded for his persistence and performances in the Tricolours in another season which saw him break the 24 match mark, debuting and playing in all three State of Origin matches for New South Wales.
Season 2000 was a significant one for the Club, reaching the Grand Final for the first time in two decades, and of course, the proud clubman was at the forefront with a career-high 28 appearances, making an admirable performance in the decider. He then took his place in that year's World Cup, representing his Irish heritage on four occasions.
The following year Ricketson once again represented the Blues and turned in 23 matches in Red, White and Blue, but it would be 2002 where he shone brightest.
In his 12th season in the top grade, Ricketson created his own slice of history by usurping Club Legend Kevin Hastings' appearance record in Round 14, becoming the most-capped Rooster of all time and just the second to reach over 200 appearances.
I'm a Rooster through and through. I couldn't have dreamt of anything as big as this. I'm over the moon."
Luke Ricketson After the 2002 Grand Final
The year which the Roosters broke a 27-year Premiership drought wasn't without its issues, as a torn hamstring cast a menacing cloud of doubt over his chances of running out, going to the extent of using a hyperbaric chamber in order to pass fitness.
While the final decision wasn't made until 12pm on Grand Final day, Ricketson overcame the intense pain to take his place in the line up at the back of the scrum.
In one of the most courageous and unheralded performances in a Premiership decider, Ricketson fought through over 50 minutes of work despite his impairment, which culminated in the side's most experienced campaigner holding the trophy aloft.
"I've been watching Grand Finals since I could watch tv," he beamed following the fulltime siren.
"I'm a Rooster through and through. I couldn't have dreamt of anything as big as this. I'm over the moon.
"I had a pretty horrible week with injury. It wasn't until this morning and midday that Stick (Ricky Stuart) said to just go out there and play."
2002 Grand Final Highlights
Ricketson continued to blossom in the latter years of his career, playing a part in the 2003 World Club Challenge victory, before returning to the Grand Final once more. Ricketson's representative career took another step as he earned a much-anticipated call up to the Kangaroos, playing a pivotal role with a two-try performance in the final match to secure the 2003 Ashes.
Despite the Roosters reaching their third consecutive Grand Final in 2004, Ricketson was sorely missed in the disappointing loss, suspended after a striking offence in a tense preliminary final.
But 2005 would prove to be one of, if not Ricketson's finest - and his last as a Rooster.
The 32-year-old warhorse took the mantle as captain of the Club following the retirement of Brad Fittler, leading the side with distinction through an otherwise tough season.
Men Of League | Doug Ricketson
In his penultimate match against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 25, his durability and loyalty were once again highlighted as he became the first Rooster in history to reach the 300-game summit.
The following week he pulled on the jersey for the final time in an emphatic 32-12 defeat of Grand Final opponents Canterbury in his 301st appearance, booting his one and only goal in the process as the Roosters faithful farewelled one of their favourite sons.
Post-career, Ricketson has continued to live and breathe Red, White and Blue, holding a position on the board of directors since 2010 and overseeing operations.
History will remember Luke Ricketson as one of the finest clubmen in Eastern Suburbs' history, and one of the pioneers of longevity in the Red, White and Blue.
