Sydney Roosters veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has issued a heartfelt message to his former club as he exits the NRL and moves to the Super League, following a storm of controversy surrounding coach Trent Robinson’s recent comments on player safety.
The Roosters have been rocked by criticism after Robinson’s remarks on a proposed rule change regarding the kick-off, which some have deemed hypocritical in light of Waerea-Hargreaves’ history of disciplinary issues. Robinson, who has coached Waerea-Hargreaves for several years, made headlines when he suggested that harsher penalties for high tackles, particularly off the kick-off, could help reduce concussion-related injuries in the NRL.
While speaking at a sponsorship announcement for BYD, Robinson emphasized that sending players off for high tackles could force them to change their techniques. However, the comments triggered a backlash, especially considering Waerea-Hargreaves’ notorious record for physicality, which has seen him suspended for a total of 27 games over his career, including an entire season due to repeated offenses.
In his final season, Waerea-Hargreaves was involved in two controversial incidents during kick-offs: one on Anzac Day against Moses Mbye, and another in the finals against Tolu Koula. Despite the serious nature of the collisions, Waerea-Hargreaves faced no suspensions for either incident, but the scrutiny surrounding them added to the growing tension regarding player safety.
Amid the fallout from Robinson’s comments, Waerea-Hargreaves took to social media to express his gratitude to the Roosters and reflect on his long and passionate career with the club. In an emotional post, the 35-year-old forward thanked the Roosters’ fans, his teammates, and coaches for the support he had received throughout his journey, despite the controversies that marked his playing style.
“Thank you to the Sydney Roosters family for an unforgettable ride. The highs, the lows, the tough times and the glory — it’s been an honor to wear the red, white, and blue,” Waerea-Hargreaves wrote. “The game has taught me so much, and I’m proud to have played with and against some of the best in the world. I leave with no regrets, only gratitude for all the memories, the friendships, and the growth. It’s time for a new chapter, but I’ll always be a Rooster at heart.”
Robinson’s comments on player safety were aimed at reducing head injuries, a topic that has dominated NRL discussions in recent years. However, the fact that Robinson had coached a player with Waerea-Hargreaves’ disciplinary record has led some fans to question whether his recent stance is consistent with his past actions. Critics argue that Robinson’s comments may ring hollow to those who remember the coach’s history of supporting his star forward through multiple suspensions.
As Waerea-Hargreaves heads to Hull FC in the Super League, his departure marks the end of an era at the Roosters. The club will now look to rebuild their forward pack without one of the NRL’s most dominant props.
The controversy surrounding Robinson’s comments highlights the ongoing debate over player safety and the need for reform in the NRL. As the league moves into the 2025 season, with player welfare more critical than ever, it remains to be seen if the proposed rule changes regarding kick-offs and high tackles will be revisited, or if further measures will be put in place to protect players from serious injury.
