Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the former Sydney Roosters prop who recently joined Hull Kingston Rovers for the 2025 season, has opened up about his departure from the NRL in an emotional interview. Having spent 14 years with the Roosters, Waerea-Hargreaves admitted that his decision to leave one of the most iconic rugby league clubs in Australia was bittersweet.
Reflecting on his time at the Roosters, where he won three NRL premierships (2013, 2018, and 2019) and made over 300 appearances, the New Zealand international spoke highly of the club, its culture, and the people who helped shape his career. “The Roosters gave me everything,” Waerea-Hargreaves said. “From the very first day I walked in, I knew it was a special place. I have some regrets about leaving—mainly not securing another premiership before I moved on—but at the same time, I am so grateful for the memories and the lessons learned.”
He also gave a special mention to James Tedesco, the Roosters captain, and his teammate, whom he credits for making his stay at the club more enjoyable. “James Tedesco made me enjoy my stay even more. He’s not only a great player but also a great leader and friend. I have incredible memories of playing alongside him.”
Waerea-Hargreaves was equally enthusiastic about the Roosters’ passionate fanbase. “The fans, the chants—everything about the Sydney Roosters was massive. Playing at Allianz Stadium in front of thousands of supporters felt like something special every time. I’ll never forget the atmosphere, the roar from the crowd when we walked out onto the field.”
Though Waerea-Hargreaves is excited about his new chapter at Hull Kingston Rovers, he emphasized how the NRL shaped him as a player. “The league makes you improve on your play every single day. The competition in the NRL is at such a high level that you need to perform well consistently if you want to stay at the top. That’s one of the things I’ll miss the most.”
He also acknowledged that some young players move to the Super League from the NRL, often for different reasons, but the NRL holds a special place when it comes to development. “Some young players leave the NRL for the Super League, and it’s a great opportunity for many of them. The pay here is great—I can confess that—but NRL is the best when it comes to improving yourself as a player. The competition there is unmatched, and it pushes you to be your best.”
While Jared is looking forward to making his mark in the Super League, he hasn’t ruled out a return to the NRL in the future. “I hope to return to the league someday,” he said. “The NRL is the pinnacle of rugby league, and although I’m excited for the next chapter, I’m always going to have that itch to play in the NRL again. It’s where I grew up as a player, and there’s nothing quite like it.”
Waerea-Hargreaves leaves behind a legacy at the Roosters as their longest-serving player, having contributed massively to their success both on and off the field. As he embarks on his journey in the Super League, Roosters fans and the wider rugby league community will surely remember him as one of the most formidable and passionate players to ever wear the jersey.
