 In 2007 , the Roosters became the first club to play 100 seasons of first grade rugby league ; they were the only outfit to play in each season since the competition 's inception in 1908 . They appointed Chris Anderson as coach for 2007 and 2008 following two relatively unsuccessful years under Ricky Stuart . On 9 July 2007 , Anderson resigned after a 56 – 0 loss to the Manly @-@ Warringah Sea Eagles . Assistant Coach Fittler acted as the caretaker for the remainder of the 2007 season , before being appointed in August to the top job for two years . With eight rounds remaining in a disappointing 2009 season in which the Roosters finished with the wooden spoon for the first time in 43 years , Fittler was informed he would not be the coach in 2010 , his position to be taken by veteran coach Brian Smith . The Roosters wound up winning only five games for the entire season ; twice against Cronulla and once against each of Canberra in Canberra , eventual grand finalists Parramatta and Newcastle in Newcastle . 
