Three-time NRL premiership winner Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has announced he will leave the Sydney Roosters at the end of this season.
The 35-year-old Roosters great has played 292 games for the club and 298 NRL games in total after featuring six times for Manly in 2009.
While he’ll miss the Roosters’ Las Vegas season opener against Brisbane with a suspension received late last season, he’s set to blast past the 300-game NRL mark and could become the Roosters’ most-capped player in the club’s 116-year history as he eyes Mitch Aubusson’s 306 games.
Waerea-Hargreaves had widely been expected to retire at the end of the season, but the Sydney Morning Herald reports he is in talks with Hull KR to play a final season in the Super League.
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“The Sydney Roosters have been my home, my family, and my passion for many years,” Waerea-Hargreaves said in a club statement.
“I love the club and everybody who’s a part of it and anyone who knows me knows what the Roosters jersey means to me. This hasn’t been an easy decision but after discussions with my family and Trent [Robinson], I know it’s the right one.
“I’m proud to wear the Sydney Roosters jersey and I’m incredibly motivated to keep working hard to achieve the ultimate goal with my brothers this year.”
“Jared is the heart and spirit of our club and he is family to the Roosters,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to coach someone that plays the game the way he has for more than a decade.
“He has been a huge part of the Club’s success over the last 15 seasons and there’s no question he will go down in history as one of the best forwards to wear the Roosters jersey.
The veteran penned an open letter to the Roosters’ members.
The letter, in full, is below.
“Dear Sydney Roosters Members,
I personally wanted to share some news about my future with the Sydney Roosters.
After a lot of consideration, reflection and discussion with my family and Trent, I have made the decision that this will be my final season with the Sydney Roosters and in the NRL.
Please know that this decision was not made lightly. The Sydney Roosters have been my home, my family, and my passion for many years, and it is not going to be easy to say goodbye to a Club that is such a big part of who I am. But there’s a new chapter waiting for me next year.
I want you all to know just one thing: my commitment to the Sydney Roosters for this final season is unwavering. I am fully dedicated to giving my all on the field, fighting for every try, every tackle, and every victory alongside my teammates. I am determined to make this season one to remember, leaving everything I have on the field for the Red, White, and Blue.
Words can’t express enough how much this Club means to me. The Sydney Roosters have not only provided me with the opportunity to play the sport I love at the highest level but have also welcomed me and my family into a community of incredible Members, fans and supporters. Your unwavering passion and loyalty have been a constant source of inspiration throughout my time here.
There are so many people to thank, and there’ll be a time for that at the end of the year, but that’s not for now. There’s a job to do first, and I can’t wait to get back on the field in Round 2.
I’m excited to take on this year with my brothers. There’s a clear goal for us and I’ll be doing everything I can to make sure we achieve it.
Hope to see you all at our games throughout the year.
Much love,
Jared”
