Petition to save the Roosters in 2006

The following is a petition in the form of a letter to the chairman of the Sydney Roosters. Its premise is that Jamie Soward should be placed as a starting halfback for the Sydney Roosters. If you agree with this premise, please show your support by signing this petition.

To the Chairman of the Sydney Roosters, Mr Nick Politis
Dear Mr Politis,

As ardent Roosters supporters, we are very concerned with the recent decision by Ricky Stuart to demote Jamie Soward to Premier League and we write to you as the current custodial of this great club.

We believe that this decision will be detrimental for the Roosters chances of winning the premiership, based on the following facts:

1. In 2005 and in 2006, the games in which Jamie Soward has played as a playmaker (in the halves) have seen the Roosters winning with high margins. On the other hand the games which have involved Brett Finch as the playmaker have seen the Roosters either loosing or winning by very small margins.

2. Brett Finch has been categorised as an OK player, or sometimes as a good player. There are no critics that would call him a great player or a future legend. On the other hand, Jamie Soward has the ingredients to become a legend in NRL, as per Roosters Legend Brad Freddy Fittler (he stated that Soward will become better than Andrew Johns on channel 9 last year during the premier league grand final).

3. The press has referred to Stuarts decision to place Finch as a halfback, as a gamble. Unfortunately, Stuarts gambles have proven to be quite unsuccessful.
a. In 2004 Stuart gambled on Hodges becoming as good as he once was.
b. After the 2005 State of Original round 1, Ricky Stuart initially wanted to use Brett Kimmorely as a halfback again for round 2.

Mr Politis, we understand that Ricky Stuart, as coach, should have the ability to make decisions regarding the placement of players on his team. However, as you have the ultimate responsibility to us, we would like you to confirm to us that if this gamble will also prove to be wrong in the next few rounds, the Roosters management have the capacity to changes necessary to allow the Roosters to win the 2006 premiership.

Signed,
Your loyal fans