Roosters making the right moves: Anasta
Sydney Roosters skipper Braith Anasta forecasts "nothing but good times ahead" for his club after they announced a new sponsor and details of greater community service by their players.
Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce described 2010 as a new beginning for the club as it sought to finally draw the curtain on a hellish 2009 in which the club finished bottom of the ladder and several of their players were involved in off-field incidents.
The Roosters announced details of a three-year sponsorship with poultry brand Steggles, surely one of the most appropriate sponsorships ever.
Noyce said the deal could be worth up to $4 million, depending on the Roosters' performances.
Under the deal, Steggles will commit $1,000 to charity for every point above the opposition's score in a Roosters victory, while the club itself will throw in $250 under the same circumstances, with the monies divided between several charities.
Noyce said the Roosters were enjoying increases in both sponsorship and membership and stressed the players' greater involvement in community activities.
"Each of them have committed to an extra 50 hours of community service above the normal activities," Noyce said.
Roosters captain and five-eighth Anasta predicted a big upturn in the club's on-field efforts.
"I think you'll see a huge improvement, there's a really good feel around the place, everyone is really enjoying themselves," Anasta told AAP.
"Normally when that happens, you will see a team do well.
"I don't know how well we will go, but I think there's nothing but good times ahead and it will be a hell of a lot better season this year than the last."
Forward Nate Myles, who was suspended last year after defecating in a hotel corridor, has started his quest for an improved year after being voted the club's representative on the upcoming NRL All Stars team to play the Indigenous All Stars on the Gold Coast later this month.
"It was a disappointing year for a lot of people, I suppose the only way I can turn that around is put my head down and work hard and improve as a footballer, which I'm trying to do," Myles told AAP.
The Queensland Origin forward will be trialled in the unfamiliar position of lock, a decision made by new coach Brian Smith.
"It will be similar to (having) another front-rower on the field, playing at lock," said Myles, who hasn't played there before.
Another player earmarked for a new position is recruit Todd Carney, who will be moved from the halves to fullback.
Anasta believed the combination of Carney, halfback Mitchell Pearce and himself had exciting attacking potential for a Roosters side he predicted would play a lot more expansively than under previous coach Brad Fittler.
"You'll definitely see us throw the ball around a bit more," Anasta said.
He believed Smith's reputation as a stern disciplinarian wasn't totally correct.
"I think Smithy gets judged quite harshly to be honest. He's been great since he's been with us," Anasta said.
"He's strict when the time is right and he makes sure everyone is switched on."
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