I think Roosters probably are cheating the cap but I think all clubs probably are in some way. I largely agree that the sooking about them isn't warranted however. Sure they have bugger all local juniors but their junior area is very limited. Thus they have to look elsewhere.I love the “Roosters buy premierships” line….
They run out less ‘bought’ players than we did on the weekend…
Some of their best players have come through the grades there - our best players we bought in from somewhere else… they target spend, we spend for the sake of spending and make it look like we’re doing something…
Even though he is from NZ someone like Manu I believe is every bit a Roosters junior as Campbelltown kid would be for us. He's been with the club since he was 14. The Roosters helped with his footballing development and schooling then brought him through their junior pathways. That is exactly what a club would do with any local junior.
The side last night had 9 players that debuted at the club. A few came through their pathways, a few didn't get a look in at their junior club and went looking for an opportunity elsewhere and a few were star juniors head hunted by the club. I'd say that is pretty much how every teams line up would look.