Hull KR have today announced that veteran prop forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will bring the curtain down on his seventeen-year career at the end of the 2025 season.
Waerea-Hargreaves, who joined the Robins on a one-year contract at the start of this season, had previously played fifteen seasons at Sydney Roosters, where he won four NRL Premiership, and three World Club Challenges. He made 316 NRL appearances for the Roosters and for the Manly Sea Eagles, as well as earning 33 caps for New Zealand, being a part of the Kiwis side that made it to the World Cup final in 2013.
Speaking on the announcement, Hull KR coach Willie Peters had this to say: “First and foremost, Jared’s a family man, a leader of men and a genuinely good person. He’s arguably one of the best front-rowers of all time.”
“Jared’s standards are up there with the best I’ve seen. He helps drive our culture and intensity levels every day at Hull KR.”
“This is fully Jared’s decision to retire at the end of the season. We were actually going to Amsterdam and that was the first time we spoke about it. When we spoke about 2026, Jared said he’d made his decision and he said by the end of the season it would be time.”
“Jared deserves to retire on his terms. He certainly needs to go out on top of his game and he’s doing that at the moment.”
Waerea-Hargreaves himself said this on his retirement: “As I reflect on my journey and 18 seasons in Rugby League, I have so much gratitude for the game itself.”
“Rugby League has given me the honour of representing my country, life-long friends and memories that I’ll cherish forever.”
“To Manly, thank you for giving me my first opportunity as an 18-year-old. To the Roosters, my home. Thank you to Robbo, Nick and everyone who was a part of my time at the club, your support and guidance has shaped me into the player and more importantly, the man I am today.”
“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.”
“To the fans, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been supported wherever I’ve played. Thank you for your support over the years.”
“And finally, to my wife, kids and family. Thank you for your unwavering support every step of the way. I love you very much and look forward to our next chapter. Thanks, Jared.”
Written by Nathan Major-Kershaw (Site editor & Hull KR fan)
Gerrim Onside! 
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