BREAKING NEWS: Excitement covers Sydney roosters and National Rugby League (NRL) as Chairman Nick Politis in a monumental Announcement, officially announced that Legendary ex-Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello will return as Director of Football in 2025. Minichiello, affectionately known as “Mini”, is a one club man. Politis described Minichiello as a……

A wave of excitement has swept across the Sydney Roosters and the wider National Rugby League (NRL) community as Chairman Nick Politis made a monumental announcement today: legendary ex-Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello will officially return to the club in 2025 as the new Director of Football.

Affectionately known as “Mini,” Minichiello is one of the most iconic figures in the club’s rich history — a one-club man whose loyalty, leadership, and on-field brilliance have left an indelible mark on the Roosters legacy.

Speaking at a press conference held at Allianz Stadium this morning, Politis described Minichiello as a “Rooster through and through,” emphasizing the significance of his return.

“Anthony embodies everything this club stands for — integrity, loyalty, passion, and excellence,” Politis stated. “Having him back in an official capacity is not only a proud moment for us but a crucial step in shaping the future of this club.”

Minichiello, 45, captained the Roosters to Premiership glory in 2013 and was part of the golden era that helped restore the club’s dominance in the NRL. With over 300 games in the red, white, and blue, he remains the club’s all-time leading try-scorer and holds a special place in the hearts of Roosters fans.

In his new role as Director of Football, Minichiello will oversee football operations across all levels of the club — from junior development to NRL squad performance — working closely with the coaching staff, recruitment team, and club executives to build a long-term footballing strategy.

Minichiello said he was honoured to return to the club that shaped his life.

“The Roosters are my family. This club gave me everything, and now I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back in a new way,” he said. “I’m looking forward to helping build the next generation of Roosters champions and ensuring we remain one of the premier clubs in the game.”

The announcement has already been met with widespread enthusiasm from players, fans, and NRL officials. Social media exploded within minutes of the news, with #WelcomeBackMini trending across multiple platforms.

Current Roosters coach Trent Robinson welcomed the move, saying Minichiello’s experience and deep understanding of club culture would be invaluable.

“Mini knows what success looks like — he’s lived it,” Robinson said. “Having him around in a leadership capacity will be a massive boost for everyone.”

This appointment marks a full-circle moment for Minichiello, who first joined the Roosters in 1997 as a teenager and rose through the ranks to become one of the game’s most respected figures, earning accolades including the Golden Boot Award in 2005 and representing both Australia and Italy on the international stage.

As the Roosters look to reclaim Premiership glory in coming seasons, the return of Anthony Minichiello signals a renewed era of ambition, unity, and belief. With “Mini” back in the fold, Roosters fans have every reason to dream big once again.