A surprise visit from Auckland-based Te Atatu Roosters at the Round 3 captain's run saw another step forward in the 'League of Roosters' program, as the two clubs came together to celebrate Multicultural Round and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' 300th NRL match.
Waerea-Hargreaves, along with fellow stars Brandon Smith, Joseph Manu, Joseph Sua'ali'i, Naufahu Whyte, Sitili Tupouniua and Angus Crichton were all presented with specially designed boots from members of the Te Atatu Roosters, all of which featured traditional artwork aligned to each player's cultural background.
The boots themselves were designed by local artists from the Mahi-a-toi class at Rutherford College in Auckland, following an extensive period of researching each player's cultural heritage.
In attendance at the captain's run was Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe representing the New Zealand Consulate-General, Te Atatu Treasurer Hanna Scully, former player Richard Auimatangi and Neville Hansen, Te Atatu Life Member, while Mr Bill Dobbie - also from the New Zealand Consulate-General - made an appearance at the match.
The biggest surprise of all, however, came when Scully gifting Waerea-Hargreaves a Korowai - a special Māori cloak - to recognise his 300th match milestone, which he proudly wore en route to the game.
In return, Waerea-Hargreaves and his fellow countryman Manu presented the Te Atatu team a signed NRL and NRLW jersey, both as a sign of the Club's gratitude and respect for their efforts to help celebrate Multicultural Round.
We’re incredibly proud of our Club’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and how League of Roosters Club, the Te Atatu Roosters, have contributed in allowing our players and Club to further celebrate Multicultural Round.
Joe Kelly Sydney Roosters CEO
The Round 3 captain's run was another successful event under the 'League of Roosters' campaign, which has seen 26 clubs across Australia, Samoa, PNG, NZ, Thailand, and the Czech Republic at either the junior or senior level connected with the Club under the Roosters emblem.
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly, who was on-site at the coming together, was thrilled with the visit from the Te Atatu staff.
“We’re incredibly proud of our Club’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and how League of Roosters Club, the Te Atatu Roosters, have contributed in allowing our players and Club to further celebrate Multicultural Round," he said.
"We thank the Te Atatu Roosters for their efforts and generosity, and we look forward to visiting them when we next play in New Zealand”.
