“WHY I CHOSE THE ROOSTERS”: Jack Cornelsen Signs Two‑Year Deal — Beats Eels & Panthers To Land…

“WHY I CHOSE THE ROOSTERS”: Jack Cornelsen Signs Two‑Year Deal — Beats Eels & Panthers To Land Saitama Star

 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA  – The Sydney Roosters have secured a major recruiting coup, officially confirming the signing of experienced forward Jack Cornelsen on a two‑year contract. The powerhouse lock/back‑rower joins from Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights, having turned down serious late offers from both the Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers to commit to the Tricolours — and he has explained exactly why he chose red, white, and blue.

 

The Decision Explained

 

Speaking exclusively after putting pen to paper, Cornelsen laid out his reasoning:

 

“It wasn’t easy — both Parramatta and Penrith made incredible offers and showed huge faith in me. But when I weighed everything up, the Roosters were the clear choice. This is a club that wins, that demands excellence every single day, and that gives you the best chance to perform at your absolute highest level. The history, the culture, the standards — everything here is built to succeed. I wanted to be part of that.”

 

A Proven Force Arrives From Japan

 

Cornelsen arrives with a reputation forged over nearly a decade of relentless excellence:

 

– ⚽ Saitama stalwart since 2018 — joined initially on trial in late 2017, then became the heartbeat of the pack

 

– 💪 Versatile engine room — excels at No. 8, flanker, and lock — the ultimate utility forward who anchors the scrum, carries hard, and tackles harder

 

– 📈 Consistency personified — 9 seasons of elite performance; trusted leader, durable, and fiercely competitive

 

– 🏆 Championship pedigree — central to Saitama’s sustained success, thriving in big matches and high‑pressure environments

 

What He Brings To Bondi

 

– ✅ Hard‑nosed reliability — no frills, maximum output; wins the gritty battles no one sees

 

– ✅ Ball‑playing lock ability — strong with ball in hand, good passing range, keeps momentum alive

 

– ✅ Big‑match temperament — tested in Japan’s toughest contests; won’t shrink when the pressure rises

 

– ✅ Immediate impact — ready to step straight into the top squad and contribute from Round 1

 

Roosters’ Statement

 

The club confirmed the deal with delight:

 

“Jack is exactly the kind of competitor we want. Tough, experienced, and driven to win. We fought hard for him and we are thrilled he chose us. He strengthens our forward pack immediately.”

 

Reaction

 

“Beating two big rivals to get him — that’s a statement.”

“A proper forward. Exactly what we need.”

“Welcome to the family, Jack — let’s get to work.”

 

For Jack Cornelsen, the choice is made. The jersey is red, white, and blue — and he is ready to earn every inch of it.