Roosters owner Nick Politis steps down as club legend set to take over – with Super League dream still on the table
Sydney Roosters chairman and major force Nicholas George Politis has announced his step down from the role, with one of the club’s most celebrated former players poised to take the reins – though the outgoing leader remains heavily involved in future plans, including the long-mooted push to take the brand to England’s Super League in 2026.
The news marks the end of an era for the Tri-Colours, with Politis having shaped the club into a dominant, financially stable powerhouse over decades at the helm. His tenure has been defined by extraordinary success, from revolutionizing revenue streams with rugby league’s first jersey sponsorship in 1976 to steering the Roosters through tough times with significant personal investment, and overseeing four NRL premierships in 2002, 2013, 2018 and 2019.
Through shrewd management, strategic player recruitment and a relentless focus on fostering a strong club culture, Politis transformed the Roosters from a struggling outfit into one of the most respected and feared teams in the competition. His ability to attract elite talent – combined with a commitment to developing junior pathways – has ensured the club’s sustained success on and off the field.
While stepping down from his formal role as chairman, Politis has confirmed he will not be walking away from the Roosters entirely. He remains deeply engaged in key decision-making and is actively discussing the club’s ambitious international expansion, which targets a Super League entry in 2025. The plan would see the Roosters establish a presence in the UK competition, building on their global brand and creating new opportunities for players and fans alike.
In a move that has delighted supporters, the club has announced Politis will be succeeded by one of its most iconic former players – a figure widely regarded as the Roosters’ greatest ever to lace up the boots. Details of the appointment are set to be formally unveiled next month, but the incoming leader has already held extensive talks with Politis about continuing the club’s legacy of excellence and driving forward the Super League vision.
“This isn’t a goodbye – it’s a new chapter,” Politis said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I know our new leader has the passion and vision to take the Roosters even further, both here in Australia and on the world stage.”
As the club prepares for this significant transition, fans are celebrating Politis’s extraordinary contribution while looking ahead to a future that promises to honor his legacy while charting new territory.
