Victor Radley has stepped up on the big stage on multiple occasions in Roosters colours, but the opportunity to stand on the hallowed SCG turf in the Bondi Blue has him excited more than ever.
The local lock forward was pinching himself at the prospect of taking the field on Monday afternoon in one of the biggest games of the NRL's regular season - and who could blame him?
Radley: "I Won't Take it For Granted"
Following last week's 20th Anniversary celebrations of the 2002 Premiership triumph, Radley was thrilled at the chance to honour another side of the Club's proud history.
“It’s really special,” Radley said.
“Last week we celebrated the 2002 winning side and had a few beers in the sheds with them. I was just in awe and it’s very very special.
“I saw two young kids wearing this Bondi Blue jersey yesterday when I was driving through Bondi. It’s a massive part of the history of the Club and the area.
“I know everyone loves it and the story behind it with World War II there and the dye and the colour. It just works with Bondi and ANZAC Day.
“You hear past players talk about it and how special this was in their career. I’m very very grateful that I get a chance to play on ANZAC Day.
“I won’t take it for granted.”
Those Roosters Members and supporters lucky enough to have attended an ANZAC Day Cup match will understand the unique atmosphere that the day provides.
Radley himself has made a number of appearances on April 25 for the Tricolours, and has at such a young age already experienced the magic of semi-final and Grand Final glory as well.
With a sell-out expected featuring a grand aura that is rarely matched, the ball-playing forward explained the difference when it came to pulling on the Bondi Blue Wartime jersey at the SCG.
“It’s similar but different, the feeling is a bit different,” he explained.
“It’s almost a feeling of ‘I’m so grateful and lucky to be playing on this day’. It never feels like it’s about me or the side, it feels like something bigger. I think that’s the difference with this day.
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“The fans are pretty special on this day and with the minute silence and the Last Post, it just puts hair on the back of your neck.
“I love the SCG. I love this stadium so if it was played here (in the future), happy days.
“These sheds behind me are special. It’s a big part of it and the atmosphere when it’s packed, grouse.”
Another reason for the ball-playing forward to be excited to take the field is the chance to link up with the returning Sam Verrills, who made his first appearance of the season last week.
Radley was full of praise for the 23-year-old hooker's passing ability and was confident that his reintroduction to the side will help the side's continuing growth in their combinations.
“I saw two young kids wearing this Bondi Blue jersey yesterday when I was driving through Bondi. It’s a massive part of the history of the Club and the area.
Victor Radley On the Club's Wartime Jersey
“Slickness is a good way to put it,” he said when asked about Verrills’ passing.
“His service from dummy half is second to none. His passing is the best I’ve ever seen from a no.9 and that’s saying something because Jake Friend was very slick there, but Verrills is slick.
“I don’t think anyone’s worried about any combinations between Kez (Luke Keary), Teddy (James Tedesco), Sam (Walker) and Verrills or Hutcho (Drew Hutchison) at the moment. Whether they combine or not, they’re freaks.
“Connections and combinations always help us improve. They’ll get better as the season gets on and they’ll be sweet for us.”
Radley also reminisced on the post-match celebrations with the Premiership side of 2002 last Sunday, and was in awe of the time spent with legends past in the famous SCG changerooms.
“That was special, that was so special,” he beamed.
“We obviously started slow and got a gritty win there, but they came in, sung their old song, we sung our song and we were probably in there for an hour with them.
“We had a couple of beers with them in the SCG changerooms, it was so special just talking to them and hearing their stories.
“I just can’t wait for any chance to have a reunion because that’s where it’s at. I was speaking to Jared (Waerea-Hargreaves) it almost looked like they were 20 years old again and they were sweet to be that age.
“They were just having a laugh and I loved it.”
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