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Jared Waerea-Hargreaves Announces Retirement Plans
Veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of Hull KR has confirmed that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025 Betfred Super League season. The accomplished 36-year-old player is set to bring an impressive 17-year professional career across both the NRL and Super League to a close.
Waerea-Hargreaves made his NRL debut in 2009 with the Manly Sea Eagles and later spent 15 impactful seasons with the Sydney Roosters. During his tenure, he secured three NRL Premiership titles, four Minor Premierships, and three World Club Challenge victories. He joined Hull KR ahead of the 2025 season, aiming to end his career on a strong note.
In a reflective statement, Waerea-Hargreaves expressed deep gratitude for his journey in rugby league. “I have so much gratitude for the game itself,” he shared. “Rugby league has given me the honour of representing my country and has provided me with life-long friendships and cherished memories.”
He specifically thanked his initial club, Manly, for the opportunity he received as a young player and the Roosters for being a significant part of his career. “To my current club Hull KR, thank you for giving my family and I this opportunity. It has already exceeded all of our expectations, and I am looking forward to finishing off the 2025 season with the lads,” he added.
Waerea-Hargreaves has been a fundamental part of the Hull KR squad this season, featuring in nearly every competitive game so far. Additionally, he holds 22 international caps for New Zealand, playing key roles in various Rugby League World Cups, including a notable performance in the Kiwis’ run to the final in 2013.
Willie Peters, head coach of Hull KR, praised Waerea-Hargreaves’s contributions to the sport and the impact he has had on the team. “First and foremost, Jared’s a family man, a leader, and a genuinely good person. He’s arguably one of the best front-rowers of all time,” Peters stated. “Jared’s standards are exceptional, helping to drive our culture and levels of intensity every day at Hull KR.”
Peters also mentioned their recent conversation regarding Waerea-Hargreaves’s retirement decision. “This is fully Jared’s decision to retire at the end of the season. When we spoke about 2026, Jared said he’d made his decision. He deserves to retire on his terms and go out at the top of his game, which he is currently doing,” Peters affirmed.
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches per round exclusively live, while the remaining four matches will be available on Sky Sports+ through the red button feature.
Source
www.skysports.com