Jared Waerea-Hargreaves signs deal with Hull KR, Roosters record still in sights

Look out Super League referees – Roosters enforcer, and regular attendee at the NRL judiciary – Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is headed your way in 2025.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has signed a one-year deal with Super League club Hull KR.

The move comes after the 35-year-old Sydney Roosters veteran announced on Tuesday (see below) that this season would be his last in the NRL.

Three-time premiership winner Waerea-Hargreaves will join the Robins in 2025 in what will be the final chapter of an illustrious career.

“For myself, my wife and the kids, we’re looking forward to coming over as a family, knuckling down and enjoying the North of England. I’ve played a number of years in the UK with New Zealand, coming away internationally. I’ve loved England, I love how passionate the people are,” said 298-game prop Waerea-Hargreaves.

“I love the working class city of Hull, it’s been on my radar for a couple of years. Now it’s official, it’s very exciting.”

Waerea-Hargreaves is travelling with the Roosters to Las Vegas for the club’s season opener against Brisbane on March 3 but only as a spectator due to suspension.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will be the Super League referees problem from 2025. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

ROOSTERS FACING MASS EXODUS AFTER JWH EXIT

Daniel Tupou remains the last Rooster standing from their 2013 premiership win after teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves indicated he would leave the club at the end of the season.

Waerea-Hargreaves’ decorated NRL career will come to a close in 2024 but he has left the door ajar for a potential move to the Super League in 2025. His decision leaves Tupou as the last Rooster from the 2013 grand final team which was Robinson’s first year in charge.

Tupou is unlikely to play on beyond this year with the Roosters now facing a major turnover at the end of the season with Tupou, Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Angus Crichton likely to move on. Joey Manu is still weighing up a move to rugby although those at the club still hold out hope that the move might just be a short one.

Luke Keary has inked a 12-month extension while prolonged talks continue with prop Terrell May.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves could finish his career as the club’s most capped player. Picture: NRL Photos

One thing is clear though, Waerea-Hargreaves will finish his stint as one of the most decorated Roosters player in their history.

Already he is a three-time premiership winner and is inching towards Mitch Aubusson’s all-time games record for the club.

The 35-year-old has played 298 games, including six during his only season with Manly in 2009.

With 292 games at the Roosters he sits behind Aubusson’s 306 game tally. Only injuries or suspension will cost him a chance to finish on top.

“After a lot of consideration, reflection and discussion with my family and Trent, I have made the decision that this will be my final season with the Sydney Roosters and in the NRL,” Waerea-Hargreaves wrote in a letter to the Roosters 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. 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.”

The Roosters have already planned for life after Jared Waerea-Hargreaves by signing fellow firebrand Spencer Leniu from Penrith this year. They also have Lindsay Collins locked down until the end of 2026.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will not play until round two because of a suspension.

Originally published as Jared Waerea-Hargreaves signs deal with Hull KR, Roosters record still in sights