Jared Waerea-Hargreaves announcement rocks NRL amid fresh upheaval at Roosters

The upcoming season is shaping up as a massive one for a number of departing Roosters stars, following Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' announcement that 2024 will be his final year in the NRL. The 35-year-old New Zealand International has won three premierships and played in four grand finals in one of the most outstanding careers for the Tri Colours.

However, Waerea-Hargreaves and the Roosters have confirmed that this season will mark his 16th and final one in the NRL, with reports he will link up with Super League club Hull KR for one final season in 2025. The news is another sad development for the club and its fans, with the Roosters enforcer the latest in a growing list of players set to depart the Bondi club at the end of 2024.

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Superstar outside backs Joseph Suaalii and Joseph Manu have both confirmed they'll make the switch to rugby union in 2025, with Angus Crichton also reportedly set to defect to the 15-a-side game. In what was already shaping up as a period of major upheaval at the club, Waerea-Hargreaves's exit will only exacerbate the situation.

The rampaging prop's decision to leave comes amid a squeeze for middle forward spots at the Roosters, following the signing of Penrith premiership winner Spencer Leniu and the emergence of Terrell May, who remains unsigned beyond this season. Waerea-Hargreaves has been a rock in the Roosters' engine room for well over a decade and his coach hailed the 35-year-old as an undisputed legend of the club.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves hailed as a Roosters legend

"Jared is the heart and spirit of our club and he is family to the Roosters," 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. Jared is clear and committed to the contribution he wants to make in his final season. We're all very clear on our goal and look forward to sharing the season ahead with Jaz."

The Kiwi Test great was part of the Roosters premiership-winning sides in 2013, 2018 and 2019 and is on track to break Mitchell Aubusson's (306) record as the club's longest-serving player this year - if he can stay injury free and avoid suspensions. Waerea-Hargreaves is on 292 games for the Roosters but is suspended for their Las Vegas season-opener against Brisbane. He is set to return for the round two clash against Manly.

The menacing middle forward has been a regular at the judiciary across nearly 298 NRL games for Manly and the Roosters and 33 Test appearances for New Zealand. Waerea-Hargreaves said his decision to leave the club was not one he took lightly and penned a heartfelt letter to thank fans for their support, vowing to give it all in 2024 and bow out of the Roosters a winner.

Roosters great pens heartfelt letter to fans

"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," he wrote. "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."

with AAP

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