JWH chasing 'ultimate goal' in final season at Roosters

Kiwis veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has vowed to "fight for every try, every tackle, and every victory" in a bid to win another premiership in his final season with Sydney Roosters.

Waerea-Hargreaves, who will miss the historic season opening match against Brisbane at Allegiant Stadium due to suspension, announced in an impassioned letter to Roosters that he would depart the club at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old said that after agonising over his future he had decided to take up another challenge in 2025.

On Thursday the news came through that JWH's new challenge would be in Super League after he signed a one-year deal with Hull KR.

"The Sydney Roosters have been my home, my family, and my passion for many years, and it is not going to be easy to say goodbye to a club that is such a big part of who I am," Waerea-Hargreaves said.

"But there’s a new chapter waiting for me next year.

"I want you all to know just one thing: my commitment to the Sydney Roosters for this final season is unwavering. I am fully dedicated to giving my all on the field, fighting for every try, every tackle, and every victory alongside my teammates.

"I am determined to make this season one to remember, leaving everything I have on the field for the Red, White, and Blue."

The New Zealand Test prop, who debuted for Manly in 2009, is on track to play his 300th NRL match in Round 3 against South Sydney and achieve the milestone for the Roosters six weeks later against the Broncos.

The three-time premiership winner, who will become the 50th player to play 300 NRL matches, also has the opportunity to eclipse Luke Ricketson (301), Anthony Minichiello (302) and Mitch Aubusson (306) as the Roosters' most capped player.

"I love the club and everybody who’s a part of it and anyone who knows me knows what the Roosters jersey means to me," he said.

"This hasn’t been an easy decision but after discussions with my family and Trent [Robinson], I know it’s the right one.

“I’m proud to wear the Sydney Roosters jersey and I’m incredibly motivated to keep working hard to achieve the ultimate goal with my brothers this year."

Waerea-Hargreaves was a member of the club's 2013, 2018 and 2019 premiership winning teams and also played in the 2010 grand final against St George Illawarra.

Robinson, who has coached Waerea-Hargreaves at the Roosters since 2013, praised his contribution to the club's success.

“Jared is the heart and spirit of our club and he is family to the Roosters," Robinson said. "It’s been an absolute pleasure to coach someone that plays the game the way he has for more than a decade.

“He has been a huge part of the club’s success over the last 15 seasons and there’s no question he will go down in history as one of the best forwards to wear the Roosters jersey.

“Jared is clear and committed on the contribution he wants to make in his final season. We’re all very clear on our goal and look forward to sharing the season ahead with Jaz.”