The Rooster remember Bondi
The Sydney Roosters will pay tribute to the victims and those impacted by the Bondi Beach tragedy ahead of their first home game of the 2026 NRL season against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium tonight.
Bondi sits at the heart of the Roosters and is central to the Club’s identity in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Just five days before last December’s attack at Bondi, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) facilitated a morning of engagement between the local Jewish community and the Club, during which players and staff met Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was tragically one of the 15 victims.
Roosters players and staff have continued to support the community in its recovery and will host a number of guests at the match, including families of the victims, those who were injured, and representatives of the Jewish community.
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said the Club felt a deep responsibility to acknowledge the impact of the tragedy on the community it proudly represents.
“The events that occurred had a profound impact on our community and across Australia,” said Kelly.
Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco said the playing group was proud to represent the Bondi community and stand alongside those affected.
“We’re proud to represent the Eastern Suburbs, and Bondi is at the heart of our Club,” said Tedesco.
“As players, we’re incredibly proud to represent the people who support us every week. Friday night is our first opportunity at home to come together, pause, and show our support for those who have been affected.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of the victims, those who were injured, and everyone in the community who continues to feel the impact of what happened,” he added.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin acknowledged the continued support from the Roosters.
“The Roosters have shown what it means to belong to a community. They have stood with Jewish Australians following the massacre and have shown great compassion towards the families of the victims and the survivors,” said Ryvchin.
“Five days before the massacre, the ECAJ facilitated a morning of engagement between the local Jewish community and the Club, during which players and staff met Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was murdered just days later.
“The tribute planned for the home game opener will be a special moment of unity and healing. We are grateful to Joe Kelly, the players and staff. We will always remember that this great foundational club of the NRL was there for us in our darkest moments,” he added.
The Club will also formally recognise first responders and emergency services personnel later in the season at the Sydney Roosters’ third Annual Emergency Services Event, to be held in the Club’s Round 25 home game at Allianz Stadium in late August.
The Sydney Roosters Annual Emergency Services Event acknowledges all eight NSW emergency services organisations and will be staged for the third consecutive year in 2026, with the support of the NSW Government and Venues NSW.
The event recognises the extraordinary contribution of first responders, medical services and community heroes, whose courage, dedication and selflessness play a vital role in protecting the community and supporting those in times of crisis.
