After a record win in his debut match for the Club, mid-season addition Oliver Gildart is loving life as a Rooster and is taking every moment of his loan in his stride.
Speaking at the Club's media opportunity just 24 hours from the side's biggest-ever win at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the English International says he was thrilled to be part of a historic moment in Roosters history.
Gildart: "It's Great to be Here"
“It was a bit weird when I finally got onto the pitch," he said after taking the field against his former side.
"It was great to be on the winning side as well. We were dominant throughout the full 80 minutes which is something we’ve been trying to build throughout the week.
“Being the last game on the SCG, it was a record win for the Club at that ground. It’s part of history and something I can be proud of. I’m just a northern lad from Wigan over here in Sydney.
“Not many people can say they’ve been a part of that.”
Despite travelling thousands of kilometres to make the next step in his career, the 26-year-old is familiar with his new teammates, having lined up against the Roosters in the 2019 World Club Challenge.
Now that he has found himself in the Tricolours, Gildart says that he is pinching himself after lining up alongside the likes of Joseph Manu and James Tedesco, is looking to absorb get as much as he can from his current loan deal.
Being the last game on the SCG, it was a record win for the Club at that ground. It’s part of history and something I can be proud of. I’m just a northern lad from Wigan over here in Sydney.
Oliver Gildart On the side's record win at the SCG
“It’s just crazy," he said.
"The likes of Joey Manu, Teddy, I’ve played against some of these boys and to be on their side it’s a massive bonus, let me tell you that.
“I’m here now and I’m going to try and do everything I can to help get this team as much as we can, and hopefully that’s the Grand Final at the end of the year.
“I’m just taking this experience as a learning curve. There are some great coaches here, some great players here and I’m just trying to take on as much as I can and just improve as a player every day.”
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Now on a six-match winning streak - the Roosters' longest since 2019 - Gildart says that he is excited about the side's potential as the finals race heats up with just a fortnight remaining in the regular season.
“That’s one thing I’ve noticed since coming in,” he said.
“The Roosters are flying at the minute. The lads are peaking at the right time and I’m looking forward to these next few weeks and seeing how the boys can go."
