Fans of the NRL are celebrating a remarkable gesture from the Melbourne Storm in honor of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the legendary Sydney Roosters prop, who recently played his last high-stakes finals match. The clash took place on September 27, 2024, at AAMI Park, where Waerea-Hargreaves marked his 316th and final appearance in the NRL, concluding a distinguished 15-year career.
Throughout his time in the league, Waerea-Hargreaves has been a polarizing figure, often seen as a tough competitor. He has received nine sin-bins in the last four seasons alone, including three in the current year. A particularly memorable encounter occurred in 2022, when he showcased his dominance over the Storm’s formidable Nelson Asofa-Solomona, contributing to a Roosters victory. Their confrontations on the field have been fierce, as they have also represented New Zealand together.
In a heartfelt farewell, the Storm’s players, coaching staff, and head coach Craig Bellamy formed a guard of honor for Waerea-Hargreaves, recognizing his contributions to the sport. This tribute was a poignant moment, highlighting mutual respect in a highly competitive environment.
Waerea-Hargreaves expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, visibly moved as he acknowledged both the Storm players and Bellamy for their kind support. Many fans were touched by this display of sportsmanship, with comments flooding in praising the Storm for their respectful act.
One Roosters supporter noted how the gesture exemplified the spirit of the game, while another remarked on the culture of respect within the Storm organization. This sentiment was echoed by others who emphasized the importance of such moments in rugby league.
As the Roosters prepare for significant changes, Waerea-Hargreaves is part of a larger group of influential players either retiring or transitioning to other opportunities. Coach Trent Robinson highlighted the substantial experience leaving the club, estimating a loss of nearly 1,300 games with Waerea-Hargreaves and two-time premiership-winning five-eighth Luke Keary among those departing.
Despite entering the season as one of the favorites, injuries and performance struggles ultimately led to their exit from the finals, culminating in a 48-18 defeat to the Storm. The Roosters faced significant challenges during the match, starting with Lindsay Collins sustaining an injury early on due to a high tackle by Asofa-Solomona. The team showed resilience, fighting back to 24-18 early in the second half, but ultimately fell short defensively.
This defeat marks the end of an era for the Roosters, with Waerea-Hargreaves’ exit being particularly impactful. Alongside him, Keary participated in an emotional farewell lap with his children, signifying the closing of a significant chapter in Roosters history. Other notable departures include Joey Manu and Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, who are both set to transition to rugby, although a return to league remains a possibility in the future.
Additionally, Sitili Tupouniua will be heading to the Canterbury Bulldogs, while other players like Dylan Napa and Michael Jennings are also leaving the club. Collectively, these seven players represent a wealth of experience, significantly shaping the club’s identity over the years.
Robinson commended the departing athletes, noting their profound impact on the Roosters and the club’s storied history. He reflected on their commitment and the legacy they leave behind, expressing pride in what they have accomplished together. The departing players have left a lasting impression on the organization, embodying the heart and soul of the Roosters jersey.
As the NRL heads towards the grand final, this farewell serves as a reminder of the camaraderie and respect that exists within the league, even among fierce rivals. The tribute to Waerea-Hargreaves not only celebrates his individual contributions but also emphasizes the values of sportsmanship that underpin the game.
