Former Kiwis hardman Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to hang up boots

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Former Kiwis and Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will retire at the end of the Super League season.

His current club Hull Kingston Rovers confirmed the veteran forward is set to bring an end to a 17-year professional career across the NRL and Super League.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves playing for the Roosters.
Photo: David Neilson

Waerea-Hargreaves won three NRL titles, four minor premierships and three World Club Challenge titles with the Roosters and played a club-record 310 appearances for the Sydney side. Before joining the Roosters he spent his rookie NRL season with Manly.

The 36-year-old played 33 tests for the Kiwis including the 2013 World Cup final. He last played for New Zealand at the 2022 World Cup.

The Rotorua-born forward has played in all but one of the Hull KR’s competitive games so far in 2025 and is hoping to finish his career on a high with the side top of the Super League standings with six wins from seven games.

“As I reflect on my journey and 18 seasons in Rugby League, I have so much gratitude for the game itself,” Waerea-Hargreaves said.

“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.”

Hull KR Head Coach, Willie Peters, said Waerea-Hargreaves left a lasting legacy in the sport and praised his contribution to the team.

“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,” Peters said.

“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.”

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