The Roosters' modern dynasty has been built on foundations laid during Nick Politis' long leadership.
In 33 years as chairman, Sydney has claimed five NRL premierships, five minor premierships and nine grand final appearances.
The club has reached the finals 24 times in that period, including each of the past ten seasons.
It has also won three NRLW premierships during the competition's first nine seasons and collected S.G. Ball titles.
Politis took charge in 1993, when the club had missed the finals in ten of the previous 11 seasons.
He then navigated the Super League war, a period when several Sydney clubs faced being cut from the competition.
During his tenure, the foundation club changed its name in 1995 from Eastern Suburbs to Sydney City Roosters, then dropped "City" in 2000.
Some of Politis' most consequential recruitment moves involved Penrith.
He recruited Phil Gould in 1994, and Gould helped bring Panthers star Brad Fittler to the Roosters in 1996.
Fittler joined on what was then the richest contract in the game and captained the side to the 2002 premiership.
In late 2006, Politis secretly arranged for Wayne Bennett to replace Ricky Stuart as coach from the following season.
Bennett withdrew at the last moment; years later, he said the dispute had left the two men no longer speaking.
Politis has also pursued stars including Sonny Bill Williams, James Tedesco, Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans, while weighing in on how the game should be run.
Fittler coached the Roosters from 2007 to 2009, before Trent Robinson led the club's modern era, winning four premierships.
Now 84, Politis remains in charge of a club that has been a powerhouse throughout his 33-year tenure.