‘Heart and spirit’: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves calls time on incredible NRL career, hints at move to the Super League

Roosters legend Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has announced the 2024 season will be his last with the Tricolours, with the “heart and spirit of the club” indicating he will likely finish his career overseas.

The 35-year-old firebrand has been one of the most consistent and feared front-rowers in the game since he made his debut with Manly in 2009 before he moved to the Roosters the following year where he came off the bench in the grand final.

The international prop forward will miss the upcoming game in Las Vegas due to suspension but will fittingly bring up 300 NRL appearances against the Rabbitohs in round three.

Waerea-Hargreaves will become the most-capped Rooster of all time if he can stay on the park this season.

“The Sydney Roosters have been my home, my family, and my passion for many years,” he said.

“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, 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.“

In an open letter to club members, the friendly giant told Roosters supporters that he would give everything he has in 2024 while also hinting a new opportunity awaits overseas next season.

“Please know that this decision was not made lightly,” he wrote.

“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.”

While his passion has sometimes taken him over the edge, no one can deny just how important Waerea-Hargreaves was for their three premiership wins, with the prop arguably the best player on the field in the 2019 decider.

The legendary figure will likely play a different role off the bench this year with young stars Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu set to start for a team that will want to send their leader out with another title.

“Jared is the heart and spirit of our club and he is family to the Roosters. It’s been an absolute pleasure to coach someone that plays the game the way he has for more than a decade,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.

“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 on 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’.”