There are narratives in every finals campaign, but few can match that of Roosters centre Oliver Gildart.
A mere month ago, he was playing against part-timers in front of nobody as the Wests Magpies lost to Mounties at Campbelltown Stadium in front of nobody.
Now, he is part of a Sydney Roosters team that warmed up for the finals with a 26-16 victory to open the new Sydney Football Stadium in front of a sell out crowd of nearly 42,000.
“Unreal,’ he said of the experience. “It was a special game to be a part of, with it being the derby match with the Rabbitohs as well. It was a real proud moment for me to experience that, I’m really grateful.
“It’s been a crazy few weeks, but I’ve always tried to stay level-headed and be positive. I’ve been here at the Roosters for a few weeks and got an opportunity to play in a game like that tonight. I’m grateful for the experience.
“I found out at captain’s run in the morning. I thought I might have been in the squad and then Joey (Suaalii) had the week but struggled with his shoulder a little bit, so Robbo pulled me in.
“I couldn’t wait to get out there. I just have to stay ready and do everything I can for the team. Wherever they need me, I’ll put my hand up. It’s a great bunch of lads and I’ll do whatever they ask.”
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Gildart has been reenergised since joining the Chooks on loan on deadline day. He scored five on debut in reserve grade for the North Sydney Bears and made his debut – ironically against his parent club, the Wests Tigers – in a crushing 72-6 win to bring the curtain down on the SCG.
The centre has huge experience of big occasions: he has played in four Grand Finals, a Challenge Cup Final and a World Club Challenge, as well as fifteen derbies for Wigan against St Helens and four appearances for England and Great Britain.
“Trent probably knows me more than most coaches over here because he’s been in the Super League and he’s probably seen a lot more of me,” said Gildart.
“I’m used to playing finals every year in Super League, and I’ve played in front of big crowds quite a few times. I’m kind of used to it.
“To be fair, I don’t really know the ins and outs of the rivalry, I just know that it’s massive. Hearing the boys talk about it in the week reminds me of the Wigan and Saints derby and that was a special one.
“There was sell out tonight and the atmosphere was electric, so it’s right up there definitely.
One man who will have got up early to watch the game would have been England coach Shaun Wane. Gildart has been thought to have been on the outer from the World Cup squad due to his lack of NRL playing time and the strong form of centres Herbie Farnworth and Mark Percival.
With a recent injury to Leeds’ Harry Newman, however, a spot in the squad for the World Cup might yet be on the cards. Certainly, playing in the NRL finals will do his chances no harm.
“He loves a derby and he’s very passionate about games like this,” said Gildart. “He’ll be watching, definitely. There are his kind of games and it’s hopefully good for me with the World Cup at the end of year. It’s a good little test to get out there and play in a big game like that.”
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