Luke Ricketson was quite rightly described as the heart and soul of the Sydney Roosters.

The club record holder in terms of first grade games played, Ricketson made his debut in 1991 as a centre - but he made his name as a back rower.

For more than a decade Ricketson has worked tirelessly, establishing himself as one of the most recognisable faces in the game.

He made his NSW debut in 1999 but had to wait another four years to play for his country. Ricketson did manage to squeeze in a World Cup in 2000, albeit for Ireland.

In 2002 Ricketson won his first premiership with the Roosters and the following season he toured England with the Kangaroos.

In 2004 he announced his retirement from representative rugby league. Ricketson was again outstanding as the Roosters made their fourth grand final in five years.

He finished his career at the end of 2005 as one of only a handful of players to make more than 300 first grade appearances - a true Roosters legend.

And he looks certain to carry that success off the field, where Ricketson's good looks, intelligence and charisma make him a natural fit for the media.