Cockerel saying goodbye instead of goodbye to SCG

The Sydney Roosters are hoping to return to the Sydney Cricket Ground for special occasions after the opening of their new home ground, Allianz Stadium, later this month.

The SCG has hosted the Roosters’ home games since 1913, making it the oldest ground still in use for NRL matches.

The Roosters played only four games at the SCG between 1988 and 2018 after the Sydney Football Stadium opened at Moore Park, but when the NSW government announced plans to rebuild the SFS from scratch, the side has moved to the ancestral home since 2019.

Saturday night’s clash with the Wests Tigers will be the Roosters’ last game at the SCG for the time being, as the Roosters prepare to return to Allianz Stadium in Round 25.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said of his stay at SCG, “It’s been an amazing four years.

“Since 1908, we have played on many different grounds in the region, but SCG has been a big part of it.

“We are honored to have played there.”

Nothing seems to stand in the way of the Roosters returning to SCG at some point in the near future.

Allianz Stadium and the SCG are run by the same entity, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, and the NRL told the AAP that it would place no restrictions on the Roosters bringing their home games to the SCG.

Robinson suggested the historic stadium would be a suitable location for a traditional Anzac Day match against St George Illawarra.

The Roosters may have to play at the SCG if Allianz Stadium is used for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“It’s great to play one last time before we move to the new Allianz Stadium,” said Robinson.

“(But) when we are at Allianz, (SCG) is our second home.

“It won’t be the last time I’ll be there, but only for special occasions.”

Roosters halfback Sam Walker made his NRL debut for SCG in Round 4 last year and scored his first career try a week later.

The thought of never playing there again is enough to worry the young gun.

“(SCG) holds a special place in my heart,” Walker told AAP.

“Of course I will miss it, but I am really looking forward to the new stadium and everything that comes with it.”