Jake Friend is set to re-sign with the Roosters for another two seasons
AFTER he proved to be the most important man in the club’s pursuit of Cooper Cronk, the Roosters are poised to sign Jake Friend to a two-year contract extension.
Roosters
Don't miss out on the headlines from Roosters. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HE is the most important man in Cooper Cronk’s much-publicised transition to Bondi.
The player that can help Cronk assimilate into his new on-field surroundings.
Hooker and skipper Jake Friend, 27, will be as important to Cronk at the Sydney Roosters as Cam Smith was at Melbourne Storm.
The Friend-Cronk partnership will be vital in the Roosters’ bid for a premiership tilt in 2018.
And on Friday the Sydney Roosters will formally announce a contract extension for the reliable Friend.
Already under contract for 2018, Friend will sign-on for another two years. He will be a Rooster until the end of 2020.
Friend’s retention will be an enormous relief to Cronk.
Ironically, Friend was the player some tipped would be run out of Bondi due to the arrival of Cronk.
The signing of Cronk and star fullback James Tedesco led many to heavily speculate that Friend would have to make way through a salary cap squeeze.
One report at the time stated: “Jake Friend is set to be moved on to squeeze Cronk onto the club’s books for next year.”
Outspoken former Test forward Mark Geyer even stated: “He (Friend) might have to look at another club.”
XMAS: Wht does your club need?
TRANSFERS: Every player switch for 2018
Roosters management however knew what Friend meant to the club. He has become the heart and soul of his Roosters.
“The Sydney Roosters have played a huge role in my life, and I’m very proud to represent the Club,” said Friend.
“There’s a special group of people at the Roosters both on and off the field, and it’s exciting to know that I’ll continue to play my role here for a further two years.”
Roosters head coach Trent Robinson added: “Jake is tireless in his efforts. He sets the tone at training and is constantly pushing both himself and those around him to improve.”
Club recruitment manager, Adam Hartigan, revealed why the Roosters wanted to retain Friend.
“Jake has worked his way through the Roosters pathway program, and has been with the club almost half his life. Over that time, he has developed into a leader here, so it’s terrific to have him at the club for a further two years,” said Hartigan.
Meanwhile Roosters prop Dylan Napa has a small fracture in his toe but should have a moon boot removed within the next week.
Napa is expected to resume pre-season training in January and be fit for the club’s February trial matches.
The Roosters have also re-signed five-eighth Luke Keary.