In a shocking and candid interview, former Sydney Roosters player Drew Hutchison has opened up about his departure from the club, sharing deep insights into his experiences and why he believes leaving the Roosters was the best decision of his career. Hutchison, now playing for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, didn’t hold back as he revealed the emotional toll of feeling unappreciated at the Roosters and how his move to the Bulldogs has revived both his career and personal happiness.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Hutchison gave fans a glimpse into the struggles he faced during his time at the Sydney Roosters. While the Roosters have long been one of the NRL’s most successful clubs, boasting a strong winning culture, Hutchison revealed that his experience there was far from ideal.
“I never felt truly loved or appreciated by the club,” Hutchison admitted. “The Roosters are a great club, no doubt, but it just didn’t feel like home for me. There was always something missing. I felt like no matter how hard I worked, there was always something I was being criticized for.”
Hutchison’s time at the Roosters was marred by inconsistency in game time and constant pressure to perform. Despite showing flashes of brilliance during his stint with the club, he never quite cemented himself as a first-choice player, which he says affected his confidence.
“There were times when I questioned my place in the team,” he continued. “You want to feel like you’re a part of something bigger, like the club is your family, but that wasn’t the case for me. Every time I made a mistake, I felt like I was letting everyone down, and that just ate away at me.”
Since joining the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Hutchison says he has experienced a complete turnaround. The Bulldogs, a club with a rich history, have been in a rebuilding phase, and Hutchison has been a key part of that process. He credits the club for giving him the opportunity to grow, both as a player and as a person.
“Moving to the Bulldogs was the best decision I could have made,” Hutchison stated proudly. “From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt the love and support. It’s like a family here, and I feel like I’m finally appreciated for who I am and what I bring to the team.”
Hutchison’s new-found happiness at the Bulldogs has been evident in his performances on the field. He’s been a consistent presence in the team and has formed strong bonds with his new teammates. “I feel like I’m growing as a player every day,” he added. “I’m in a great environment where everyone is pushing in the same direction, and that’s a big part of why I feel like I’m finally on the right path to fulfilling my dream.”
While Hutchison made it clear that he has no ill will towards the Roosters, his remarks certainly raise questions about the club’s culture and how it treats players who aren’t regular starters. His comments come at a time when many professional athletes are increasingly speaking out about the mental and emotional challenges of being part of elite teams.
“Looking back, I wish I had left the Roosters earlier,” Hutchison reflected. “I’ve learned so much about myself since I left, and I realize now that I needed a change to find happiness. I don’t regret my time there, but I do feel like the move to the Bulldogs has allowed me to flourish in ways I couldn’t have imagined before.”
Hutchison’s focus is now firmly on the future. The Bulldogs have shown signs of improvement in recent seasons, and Hutchison believes the club is on the verge of something special. “We’re building something here,” he said confidently. “It’s a process, but I truly believe we’re heading in the right direction. The support I’ve received from the coaching staff and my teammates has been incredible, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”
For Hutchison, the move to the Bulldogs represents not just a career change but a fresh start in every sense. His journey is a testament to the importance of finding the right environment, where a player can feel valued and supported.
Hutchison’s bold comments have sparked mixed reactions from fans of both the Roosters and the Bulldogs. Some Roosters supporters took to social media to defend their club, expressing disappointment in Hutchison’s comments. “The Roosters have given him a platform, and now he’s turning on us,” one fan tweeted. “That’s disappointing to hear.”
On the other hand, Bulldogs fans have embraced Hutchison’s remarks, praising his honesty and welcoming him with open arms. “Drew’s been a revelation for us,” said one Bulldogs fan. “You can see the passion in his game, and it’s great to hear that he’s finally feeling appreciated.”
As Hutchison continues to excel with the Bulldogs, his story serves as a reminder that sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to rediscover one’s passion for the game. Fans of both clubs will undoubtedly be watching closely as he continues to make his mark with the Bulldogs, proving that leaving the Roosters was indeed a step up.
