The Sydney Roosters is very saddened to hear about the death earlier this month (September 4) of Roosters Player #685 Joe Reaiche. Joe died in London whilst on a business trip, at the age of 66.
Joe, who played his junior football in the eastern suburbs, at both the St Marys and Bondi United clubs, rose through the Roosters junior ranks with players like Marty Gurr, John Tobin and Peter Tunks.
He was a member of the Roosters President’s Cup team in 1977 and made his first grade debut in 1978, alongside League greats such as Ian Schubert, Mark Harris, Bob Fulton, Russell Fairfax, Kevin Hastings, Ron Coote and Bob O’Reilly.
He played a total of 22 first grade games for the Roosters in 1978, 1979 and 1983, when he returned to the club after playing a single season each at Canterbury-Bankstown and South Sydney.
A very talented outside back and goal kicker, Reaiche scored 4 tries and kicked 41 goals during his Roosters career. He was a very popular team mate and friend to so many in the Roosters family and he will be sorely missed.
