 Between 1984 and 1995 , the Roosters reached the semi @-@ finals once , and became known to critics as the " transit lounge " , due to the high frequency of player purchases and releases . The club came close to reaching the premiership in 1987 under coach and favourite son Arthur <unk> , being defeated by eventual premiers Manly in a " bruising " major semi @-@ final , 10 – 6 . 
