Trent Robinson has lauded Jared Waerea-Hargreaves as one of the greatest players in Sydney Roosters history after the tough-as-nails prop called time on his NRL career.
The Roosters confirmed on Tuesday that Waerea-Hargreaves will leave at the end of the 2024 season after 15 years with the club.
The New Zealand international’s decision to move on comes amid a squeeze for front-row spots at the club with Spencer Leniu arriving over the off-season and the emergence of Terrell May, who remains unsigned beyond this season.
The 35-year-old will leave the Roosters with one of the most glittering CVs - four grand finals, three premierships, four minor premierships - and an equally long rap sheet.
Waerea-Hargreaves has been a regular at the judiciary across nearly 298 NRL games and 33 Test appearances but Robinson said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
"Jared is the heart and spirit of our club and he is family to the Roosters," 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."
Waerea-Hargreaves had a six-game stint at Manly before switching to Roosters in 2010 and appearing in the grand final loss that year.
The Kiwi was part of the side which won premierships in 2013, 2018 and 2019.
With 292 Roosters games to his name thus far, he is on track to surpass Mitchell Aubusson (306) as the club's longest-serving player later this year but is unavailable for their Las Vegas season opener due to suspension.
"This hasn’t been an easy decision but after discussions with my family and Trent, I know it’s the right one," Waerea-Hargreaves said.
"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."
