Look, I’ll be honest with you—being a Sydney Roosters fan isn’t just about turning up to Allianz Stadium on game day and watching the boys run out in the iconic Roosters Jersey. It’s about the noise you make, the songs you sing, and the traditions that bond us together as the Eastern Suburbs faithful. Whether you’re a new Member who’s just signed up for their first season or a veteran who’s been singing “Easts to Win” since the days of the Sydney Football Stadium, knowing the songbook is essential.
I’ve put together this checklist to help you master the Roosters fan traditions. By the end, you’ll be leading the chants, knowing exactly when to belt out the club song, and understanding the history behind every verse. Let’s get into it.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before we dive into the step-by-step, here’s what you’ll want to have handy:
- A printed or digital copy of the Roosters songbook (the club usually provides these at Membership packs or online)
- Access to a recording of the club song (YouTube or the club’s official app will do)
- A mate who’s been a Roosters fan for at least five seasons (they’ll know the unofficial stuff)
- Your voice (trust me, you don’t need to be a professional singer)
- A bit of patience (some of these traditions have been around since the Eastern Suburbs days)
Step 1: Learn the Official Club Song – “Easts to Win”
This is the big one. The official Sydney Roosters club song, “Easts to Win,” is what you’ll hear after every NRL Premiership victory, every home win at Allianz Stadium, and especially after a Grand Final triumph. It’s been a staple since the club’s early days.
Here’s the full version:
Easts to win, Easts to win, We’re the team that’s out to win. Easts to win, Easts to win, We’re the team that’s out to win. We’ll fight with all our might, From morning until night, And we’ll never, ever give in, Till we’ve won the premiership again.
Pro tip: The chorus repeats twice, so don’t stop after the first run. Also, when you’re at the game, you’ll notice that the “Easts to win” part gets louder each time. That’s not accidental—it’s tradition.
Common mistake: Some new fans try to add extra verses or change the tune. Don’t. Keep it simple. The beauty of this song is its straightforwardness.
Step 2: Master the Pre-Game Ritual – “The Roosters Call”
Before every home game at Allianz Stadium, there’s a moment where the entire crowd does what’s known as “The Roosters Call.” It’s not a song per se, but a chant that goes:
“Cock-a-doodle-doo! Go Roosters!”
Sounds simple, right? But here’s the thing—it’s all about timing. The chant happens just before kick-off, led by the stadium announcer. You’ll hear a drum roll, then the crowd roars.
How to practice: Stand in front of a mirror (or your bathroom tiles if you’re feeling game) and practice the timing. The “Cock-a-doodle-doo” should be drawn out for about three seconds, then a sharp “Go Roosters!” immediately after.
Pro tip: If you’re watching from home, don’t skip this. Stand up, do the call, and then sit down. It sets the tone for the match.
Step 3: Get the “Teddy” Chant Down Pat
James Tedesco, or “Teddy” as we call him, is one of the most beloved Roosters of the modern era. During games, you’ll hear a specific chant when he makes a big run or scores a try. It goes:
“Ted-dy! Ted-dy! Ted-dy!”
The chant is rhythmic—three claps between each “Teddy.” So it’s:
Clap, clap, clap – “Teddy!” Clap, clap, clap – “Teddy!” Clap, clap, clap – “Teddy!”
Common mistake: Some fans speed this up too much. Keep it steady. The chant works best when it’s almost hypnotic.
Why it matters: This chant isn’t just about Tedesco. It’s about acknowledging the fullback’s effort, whether he’s scoring or making a crucial tackle. Do it for every big play.
Step 4: Learn the “Keary” Call (And When to Use It)
Luke Keary might not have the same profile as Teddy, but the Roosters faithful know his value. When Keary sets up a try or makes a line break, you’ll hear a shorter, sharper chant:
“Key-ry! Key-ry! Key-ry!”
Notice the pronunciation—it’s “Key-ry,” not “Keer-ee.” Get that wrong and you’ll get some sideways looks from long-time fans.
Pro tip: This chant works best after a line break or a try assist. Don’t use it for every run—save it for the moments that matter.
Step 5: Nail the “Up the Roosters” Chant
This is the most versatile chant in the songbook. You can use it:
- To rally the team after a tough call
- To celebrate a try
- To drown out opposition fans
“Up the Roosters! Up the Roosters! Up the Roosters!”
Three times, each one louder than the last. The key is to build intensity. The first “Up the Roosters” is a warm-up. The second is a statement. The third is a roar.
Common mistake: Some fans rush through this. Take your time. Let each repetition hang in the air for a second before the next one.
Step 6: Understand the “Easts Side” Call
At Allianz Stadium, the Eastern Suburbs faithful are concentrated on the eastern side of the ground. During games, you’ll hear a call that goes:
“Easts side! Easts side! Easts side!”
This is a territorial chant, designed to remind everyone (including the players) where the real support is coming from. It’s also a way to unite the crowd.
When to use it: After the opposition scores a try, or when the Roosters are defending their own line. It’s a show of defiance.
Pro tip: If you’re sitting on the eastern side, make sure you’re loud. If you’re elsewhere, join in anyway—it’s about spirit, not geography.
Step 7: Learn the “Premiership” Chant
When the Roosters win the NRL Premiership (which, let’s be honest, has been a regular occurrence in recent years under Trent Robinson), the post-game celebrations include a specific chant:
“We are the premiers! We are the premiers!”
This is sung to a stomp-stomp-clap rhythm.
How to practice: Find a flat surface and practice the stomp-stomp-clap pattern. Then add the words. It’s harder than it looks, especially after a few celebratory drinks.
Common mistake: Don’t start this chant until the final siren has gone. Doing it earlier is considered bad luck.
Step 8: Master the “Bondi” Connection
The Sydney Roosters are deeply connected to Bondi and the Eastern Suburbs. During games, you’ll hear chants that reference Bondi Beach and the local area. One of the most common is:
“From Bondi to the East, we are the best!”
This is a call-and-response chant. One side of the crowd shouts “From Bondi to the East!” and the other responds with “We are the best!”
Pro tip: If you’re at the game, position yourself near a vocal group. This chant works best when it’s coordinated.
Step 9: Know the “Robbo” Respect Chant
Trent Robinson, or “Robbo,” is a respected coach in Roosters history. When he’s introduced before a game, or after a big win, you’ll hear:
“Rob-bo! Rob-bo! Rob-bo!”
This is a simple, respectful chant. It’s not loud or aggressive—it’s a show of appreciation.
Common mistake: Don’t confuse this with the “Teddy” chant. The rhythm is different. “Rob-bo” is slower and more deliberate.
Step 10: Wrap It Up with the Final Song
After every win, the Roosters players gather in the middle of the field and sing “Easts to Win” with the fans. This is the moment when the songbook comes full circle.
What to do: Stay in your seat (or on your feet) until the song is finished. Don’t leave early. This is the most important tradition.
Pro tip: Record this moment on your phone if you want, but don’t watch it through the screen. Be present. Sing loud. Feel the connection.
Pro Tips for New Fans
- Start with the official song. It’s the foundation of everything. Once you’ve got that down, the rest comes naturally.
- Watch old games on YouTube. Listen to how the crowd reacts. You’ll pick up the timing and intensity.
- Don’t be afraid to mess up. Every Roosters fan has forgotten a lyric or started a chant too early. It’s part of the journey.
- Learn the history. Understanding the club’s roots in the Eastern Suburbs and Bondi makes the traditions more meaningful.
- Bring a friend. Singing alone is fine, but singing with a mate is better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Singing too fast. Most chants are meant to be slow and deliberate. Speed kills the impact.
- Using the wrong tune. The club song has a specific melody. If you’re using a different one, you’re doing it wrong.
- Forgetting the pre-game call. “Cock-a-doodle-doo” is non-negotiable. Miss it and you’ll feel like you’ve skipped a step.
- Leaving early. The post-game song is the highlight. Stay until the end.
- Not knowing when to be quiet. There are moments during the game (like when a player is injured) when silence is the right call. Read the room.
The Ultimate Checklist
Here’s your quick-reference list. Print it, save it to your phone, or memorise it. Either way, make sure you’ve ticked off every item before your next game at Allianz Stadium.
- Learn the official club song, “Easts to Win,” including both repetitions
- Master the pre-game “Roosters Call” (timing and volume)
- Practice the “Teddy” chant with the three-clap rhythm
- Perfect the “Keary” call (pronunciation and timing)
- Nail the “Up the Roosters” chant (three repetitions, building intensity)
- Understand the “Easts Side” call and when to use it
- Learn the “Premiership” chant (stomp-stomp-clap pattern)
- Master the “Bondi” connection chant (call-and-response)
- Know the “Robbo” respect chant (slow and deliberate)
- Commit to staying for the final post-game song
So next time you’re at a game, or even watching from home, don’t be a silent observer. Sing loud. Sing proud. And remember—when in doubt, just start with “Easts to win.” It’s never let us down before.
Now go get ’em, Chooks fans.
Want to dive deeper into Roosters history? Check out our articles on the great Grand Finals timeline or how to care for your Roosters Jersey. And if you’re looking to get involved at a grassroots level, don’t miss our guide to local footy clubs.
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