Roosters told to stay sober and out of the Cross

parragirl

By Dean Ritchie | March 28, 2008 12:00am

BRAD Fittler was once the rogue who loved a beer more than anyone else - now he is the man implementing rugby league's strictest alcohol policy

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Sydney Roosters players will now be relegated to the NSW Cup if caught having a single beer during the week.

They have also been banned from socialising in Kings Cross at any time.

The Roosters can have a drink only on the day after they have played and following the club's recovery session.

Roosters stars Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichiello said yesterday the players were in favour of the unprecedented booze ban.

"We're not allowed in the Cross at all," Anasta said.

"If any of the players are there, they will be dropped from the team.

"And there's no mid-week drinking. If you're seen with a beer or even spotted drinking at all, you'll be banned from the team. We're only allowed to drink the day after a game," Anasta added.

"We can't even drink straight after a match because of our recovery.

"We get one window there where we can drink and that's, say if we play on a Friday, we can have a drink on a Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, and that's it."

Coach Fittler has implemented the drinking ban so his players are fresh for training and "mentally and physically ready for match day".

The stance comes amid a series of off-field drinking dramas that have once again engulfed and damaged rugby league.

Minichiello said the players had accepted and endorsed the ban.

"The game is very professional now. I know if I have a big night I pull up a bit sore these days," Minichiello said. "I don't mind the rules. We can have a drink once a week, just not two or three times a week. But it is up to Freddy's discretion."

Anasta described the rules as "strict".

"Nowadays, it's just so hard to go out anywhere. Obviously going out at 9.30 (like Bulldogs player Reni Maitua) in the morning is not on. That's a no-no anyway," he said.

"The rules are pretty strict but we're pretty lucky to be doing what we're doing and we've just got to make those sacrifices to play the game these days."

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23443661-5012661,00.html

_________________