NPL: Nick Cowburn signing helps put Roosters on the rise

The Roosters finished last in first-grade in 2020 but were named club of the year for their performances across a broad range of criteria. They also won the under-18 grand final.

The club have since recruited Cowburn, who left Maitland mid-season and finished the year with Toronto Awaba in the second-tier. The Josh Rufo-coached side have also gained 40-year-old former national league player Josh Maguire and Jaffas back-up goalkeeper Declan Crook, while losing gloveman Stuart Plant to Weston.

Given the impact on sponsors during COVID-19, Lake Macquarie chose not to pay their players this year. Jones said that decision and the continued support of sponsors had helped the club improve their finances.

"We're in a better financial situation this year than last year, and last year we improved from the previous year as well," Jones said.

"We're heading in the right direction ... and we've been lucky enough to have some cash to spend on our facilities and youth set-up."

The recruitment of Cowburn has been the club's biggest boost for 2021.

"I think Nick's choice was more about wanting to be part of something that's on the rise and having that little bit of freedom to work and have some flexibility around his training," Jones said. "He just adds that little bit of class that I think we probably lacked this year. Sometimes the decision-making wasn't quite right and a player like Nick adds that."

Jones said Rufo was also looking at giving young talent, from inside and outside the club, a chance to push for first grade next season.

"Most of the first-grade squad has re-signed and we did quite well in the 18s, winning that premiership is a real kick along for us," he said.

"There's some good kids there and half a dozen of them had a run in first grade this year, so we've blooded some good young players and we're hoping to progress them into the reserve and first grade squads next year."