NRL 2021: Roosters star Jake Friend poised to announce his retirement

It’s a conversation Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson knows is coming but one he is not looking forward to.

Jake Friend of the Roosters looks on during warm up ahead of the round one NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Manly Sea Eagles at the Sydney Cricket Ground, on March 13, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

It’s a conversation Roosters coach Trent Robinson knows is coming but one he is not looking forward to.

The Tricolours boss is expected to sit down with Jake Friend on Monday and discuss life after footy following his co-captain’s latest bout of concussion.

Friend has suffered three head knocks in his last six games and is likely to retire on the advice of medical experts.

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Robinson has formed a close attachment to the 31-year-old hooker and is clearly concerned about Friend’s long-term health.

Speaking after his side’s 32-12 win over the Warriors on Sunday night, the Roosters mentor was asked if he had a number of scenarios swirling around in his head ahead of his conversation with Friend.

Jake Friend was knocked out in the Roosters’ round one clash with Manly at the SCG. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

He was reluctant to talk on the subject, saying: “Yeah. We’ll talk about tonight’s game and we’ll talk about that next week.”

Friend hasn’t played since being knocked out against Manly in round one.

If he doesn’t return to the field, the tough No.9 will finish his career with 264 NRL games, three Origins for Queensland and one Test match.

Friend is well set-up in business and is expected to play an off-field role with the Roosters once he retires.

The Roosters continue to monitor the health of Friend’s fellow captain Boyd Cordner, who hasn’t played this year after suffering a series of concussions.

The NSW State of Origin skipper is hoping to return mid-season.

— Adam Lucius

HOW WE BROKE THE STORY

An emotional Sydney Roosters skipper Jake Friend is poised to announce his retirement.

After suffering three concussions in his last six games, Friend will make the toughest decision of his career when he meets with coach Trent Robinson and the club’s medical staff on Tuesday.

The Sunday Telegraph understands he is leaning towards calling it quits after 14 seasons, 264 NRL games, three State of Origins for Queensland and one Test. He has been a co-captain for six years.

Jake Friend is poised to announce his retirement. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Roosters powerbrokers are concerned for his long-term wellbeing as a new father and are more than comfortable with the decision.

Friend has been wrestling with the retirement call since he was knocked out in the opening round game against the Manly Sea Eagles at the SCG.

He has told teammates he feels like he is letting them down.

Friend told The Sunday Telegraph a week later that he would be guided by medical advice.

“I want to keep playing but I’ll be guided by the medical experts,” he said.

“We’ll see what happens.”

It is understood Friend could be offered an off-field role with the Roosters.

Friend only inked a one-year deal last year. He has struggled with ongoing shoulder and neck issues in the past couple of seasons.

Friend achieved his long-term goal of playing Origin last year, featuring in the Maroons’ series win. He played one Test for Australia in 2016.

The Roosters have already assured Friend’s long-term successor with premiership-winning hooker Sam Verrills. Verrills, who is recovering from another minor knee operation, is signed with the club until the end of 2024.

Jake Friend could be offered an off-field role with the Roosters. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

His Roosters co-captain Boyd Cordner is sidelined until at least round 12 after a bout of serious concussions in recent years. There were concerns for Cordner’s long-term future but it is expected the Australian skipper will return to the field.

Friend, who made his Roosters debut in 2008, sits fourth over-all in game’s played for the Roosters with 264. Only 300-gamers Mitch Aubusson, Anthony Minichiello and Luke Ricketson have played in more matches for the tri-colours.

JAKE FRIEND

Debut: 2008 v Canterbury round 16.

Games: 264 top grade games, fourth all-time in Roosters history. 27 tries, one field goal.

Representative: One Test for Australia in 2016, three games for Queensland in 2020, NRL-All Stars 2017

Grand finals: Four

Premierships: Three including two as co-captain

Originally published as NRL 2021: Roosters star Jake Friend poised to announce his retirement