Why narrative around ‘overlooked’ Roosters fans needs to end
Updated . First published
There’s been a constant narrative in rugby league circles when it comes to Sydney Roosters fans – or as some would have you believe, their lack of them.
But two of the club’s stars have leapt to the defence of the diehard Eastern Suburbs faithful, who are some of the most passionate fans in the NRL.
Roosters fans during the NRL finals. NRL Images
Heading into this weekend’s grand final, it’s no secret the bulk of neutral rugby league supporters will be hitching themselves to the Newcastle bandwagon.
That will come as no surprise, given the Knights have put together an incredible underdog rise in 2026 and the Roosters have long been seen as a glamour club, constantly in the mix for premierships with a star-studded roster.
But that notion shouldn’t detract from the support the Roosters do have in their corner, led by the ever-vocal “Chook Pen” and the club’s wider fan base.
Speaking to nine.com.au this week, young gun Robert Toia said Roosters fans had long been “overlooked” and spoke to the impact they’ve had on his young career.
“I’ve felt so much love and I really think our fans are underrated,” he said.
“People overlook the Roosters and say that we’ve got no fans and stuff like that – but our fans have been such a massive part of my development.
“Even before I debuted, so many of them had reached out to me and kept in touch, making sure I was OK, especially all the boys in the Chook Pen.
“They’ve been so big for me. I’m sure there’s gonna be a big turnout on Sunday.”
This season, the Roosters have averaged more than 26,000 fans at their home matches – placing them behind only the Broncos and Warriors.
That doesn’t even include the Anzac Day clash with the Dragons, which is an annual sell-out, because the 2026 edition was a St George Illawarra home game, despite being held at the Roosters’ usual Moore Park base.
Roosters fans are pretty creative as well, with plenty of tailor-made banners relating to current or past players at Allianz Stadium home games.
This fan had a creative approach for Mark Nawaqanitawase’s battle with Ronaldo Mulitalo. NRL Images
Then there was the hilarious Mark Nawaqanitawase-Ronaldo Mulitalo banner that was spotted in the crowd during the semi final.
Newcastle aren’t far behind them, averaging crowds of nearly 24,000 this season, with McDonald Jones Stadium a long-time fortress.
When grand final kick-off time arrives on Sunday night, Knights fans are widely expected to outnumber and make more noise than the Roosters.
Billy Smith says it will be up to the Roosters – both the players on the field and those in the grandstand – to quieten those loud Newcastle chants.
“We know the Knights are riding a high at the minute and it’s gonna be a similar sort of atmosphere as what we faced at Suncorp last week,” he said.
“There’s gonna be a lot of Newcastle fans, they’re a proud footy town, but there’s gonna be a lot of Roosters fans there too. We’re such a proud area with plenty of history, so I’m sure our fans will turn up in numbers.
“Newcastle are riding that high, so it’s our job to silence them I guess.”
