In every country in the world sports are prevalent. They teach people important values and bring them together, creating a significant portion of any community or country’s cultural identity. That statement holds especially true here in Australia, and is extremely evident in one of the more popular sports in the country—The National Rugby League. In this paper I will describe my experience at a NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and South Central Rabbitohs and how those clubs have strong relations to their respective communities. Upon arriving at Allianz Stadium, the home of the Sydney Roosters, it was impossible to not get excited about the matchup. It was the first game of the season and happened to be between archrivals. The anticipation
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Both the Roosters and the Rabbitohs are foundation teams, meaning they have been in existence since the NRL’s inception way back in 1907, and still represent the same geographical areas. After more than a century of battles between the clubs, it was not surprising to see that the fans were at odds with one another. Also, as expected, there were just as much booing towards the opposing team as there was cheering when each of the clubs took the field. The next thing that made the link between community and team obvious was the adoration by the youngest of fans. In class we learned how both clubs have junior teams comprised of kids playing in their own communities. Much like how I have been an avid Yankees fan who attends games for my whole life, there were many children doing the same for both the Roosters and the …show more content…
Additionally, a local coach and local players helped steer the team towards success. “Gibson’s three seasons helped pave the way for the club’s first minor-premiership with a team full of outstanding (and mostly locally produced) talent in 1988” (The International Journal of the History of Sport, Brawley, p. 502). Despite its many financial difficulties over the course of 30 years, the team managed to get by and eventually become a prominent club with the help of individuals from the community. By the mid 1990’s the Sharks were widely regarded as a central part of
Both the Roosters and the Rabbitohs are foundation teams, meaning they have been in existence since the NRL’s inception way back in 1907, and still represent the same geographical areas. After more than a century of battles between the clubs, it was not surprising to see that the fans were at odds with one another. Also, as expected, there were just as much booing towards the opposing team as there was cheering when each of the clubs took the field. The next thing that made the link between community and team obvious was the adoration by the youngest of fans. In class we learned how both clubs have junior teams comprised of kids playing in their own communities. Much like how I have been an avid Yankees fan who attends games for my whole life, there were many children doing the same for both the Roosters and the …show more content…
Additionally, a local coach and local players helped steer the team towards success. “Gibson’s three seasons helped pave the way for the club’s first minor-premiership with a team full of outstanding (and mostly locally produced) talent in 1988” (The International Journal of the History of Sport, Brawley, p. 502). Despite its many financial difficulties over the course of 30 years, the team managed to get by and eventually become a prominent club with the help of individuals from the community. By the mid 1990’s the Sharks were widely regarded as a central part of