Jared Waerea-Hargreaves issues statement on his future impacting Hull KR

Hull KR forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has issued a statement on his future with the former New Zealand international one of the Robins’ off-contract players in 2025.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is one of the iconic names and players in the sport, one of the few remaining ‘old-school’ players and Super League fans delighted in the chance to see him play in the competition when Hull KR signed him for 2025.

Signing a one-year deal, JWH ended his long affiliation with Sydney Roosters and made the switch to Super League as he ended his NRL career with a whopping 316 appearances.

Almost all of those came for the Roosters, with whom he won three NRL Grand Finals and the Kiwi prop is hoping to finish his career with a Super League title on top of that, something he’ll have to do in 2025 as it’s now been confirmed that he will call time on his incredible career at the end of this season.

Hull KR confirm star JWH to retire at end of 2025

Hull KR have announced that Waerea-Hargreaves will retire at the end of the 2025 season, bringing an end to his 17-year professional career and closing the chapter on one of the finest props of the modern era.

The veteran had only signed on a one-year deal and questions were already surfacing over his future, particularly given reports Down Under that the Roosters should re-sign their former favourite.

However, a statement from the Super League leaders broke the news that Waerea-Hargreaves would be hanging up the boots, with both the player himself and head coach Willie Peters also commenting.

The Robins announced: “Hull KR can confirm that veteran prop forward, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will retire at the end of the 2025 Betfred Super League season, concluding a remarkable 17-year professional career across the NRL and Super League.”

They also revealed that the 36-year-old was “intent on finishing his career on a high in Red and White”, with silverware certain to be a goal of his.

Coach Willie Peters labelled him “a family man, a leader of men and a genuinely good person”, before arguing his prop to be among “the best front-rowers of all time”.

He continued: “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.

“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.”

Rugby League legend Jared Waerea-Hargreaves makes retirement decision

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ahead of making his Hull KR debut 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ERSw9sk8LY

— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) February 14, 2025

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves would make his own statement as well, speaking on his time in the sport, his former clubs, his current club, his fans, and most importantly his family.

The NRL legend said: “As I reflect on my journey and 18 seasons in Rugby League, I have so much gratitude for the game itself.

“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.”

He added: “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.”