SYDNEY ROOSTERS LEGEND ANTHONY MINICHIELLO ANNOUNCES PASSING OF BELOVED AUNT
Rugby league great Anthony Minichiello has announced the passing of his beloved aunt today, with the entire Sydney Roosters family and wider NRL community rallying to support the one-club legend and his family in their time of grief.
In a moving statement released through the Roosters, Minichiello described his aunt as “a constant source of love and encouragement throughout my entire life and career.” He shared that she was present at countless matches, from his junior days through to his premiership-winning campaigns, adding, “She never missed an opportunity to cheer me on and remind me of what matters most – family. We are devastated by her loss but filled with gratitude for every moment we shared together.”
Minichiello, who represented the Sydney Roosters from 2000 to 2014, stands as one of the club’s most decorated players in history. He holds the record for most games played in the red, white and blue with 302 appearances, along with the club mark for most tries scored at 139. A dual premiership winner, he played a pivotal role in the 2002 grand final victory over the New Zealand Warriors before captaining the Roosters to their 2013 title against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – a fitting crowning achievement for his leadership and dedication to the club.
His individual honours are equally impressive: he claimed rugby league’s highest international accolade, the 2005 Golden Boot, was named Dally M Fullback of the Year in 2004, and took home the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series in the 2005 State of Origin. A proud representative of both New South Wales and Australia, Minichiello earned 11 Test caps and played 11 times for the Blues, becoming renowned for his electrifying speed, safe hands and uncompromising defence.
Since retiring, Minichiello has remained closely connected to the Roosters as a mentor and ambassador, while also contributing to rugby league development programs across New South Wales. He has often spoken about the profound influence his family has had on his success, crediting them with keeping him grounded through the highs and lows of his career.
The Sydney Roosters have expressed their deepest sympathies, with club chairman Nick Politis stating, “Anthony is part of the fabric of this club, and his family has always been welcome here. We share in their sorrow and stand ready to support them in any way we can.” Tributes have poured in from former teammates, opponents and fans, celebrating both Minichiello’s legacy and the impact his aunt had on shaping the man behind the legend.
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