Grand Final victory the perfect ending for retiring Hull KR prop as he bids farewell to rugby league

Hull KR prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ended his rugby league career in style, after producing one of the best performances of his Robins career to help them earn their first Grand Final win in the Super League era.

The 37-year-old Kiwi legend bows out of the sport at the end of this season, and in his sole year at the Rovers has helped them complete a historic treble, after already winning the Challenge Cup and League Leaders Shield.

Waerea-Hargreaves, or ‘JWH’, has had a career full of silverware, after three NRL Grand Final wins with the Sydney Roosters, as well as three World Club Challenge wins.

Rounding off his career in east Hull, the NRL icon was brought in to add big game experience to a KR side new to being at the top, and he has brought that and more, providing vital performances when they’ve needed him most.

The former New Zealand international was due to be suspended for his final match as a player, after being given a Grade C charge following the Rovers’ semi-final win, however they managed to successfully appeal that decision and was allowed to end his career on his own terms.

JWH was one of, if not the best prop on the field at Old Trafford, as he dominated the Wigan pack. His strong carry in the second half led to Jez Litten’s try, which increased the gap to 12 points and gave the Robins that extra barrier to go on and see out the victory.

Speaking post-match, the Robins retiree said how impressed he was with his time at the club, and has enjoyed every moment of his one and only Super League season.

He said: “When I first got here, on day one, [I was excited by] how hungry and motivated everyone was. Obviously, 11 months on here we are. To win the treble, I think we’re the fifth club in history to ever do it, so I’m just so proud of everyone.”

Reminiscing on the year he’s had, JWH said that this trophy was the one he wanted most, after knowing first-hand how different and difficult play-off rugby is.

He said: We’ve obviously got the Challenge Cup and League Leaders, but it’s a new competition when you play finals and you’ve got to be on and we turned up the other day [against St Helens], and we turned up with a game plan, and we executed it today. Just super proud of everyone. I can’t wait to celebrate with these guys and have a few beers.

“It’s all over” – Hull KR prop bows out in style after Grand Final victory in final match of rugby league career

The Kiwi enforcer admitted the reason he does what he does is for his young family, and also came to the realisation that his playing career is now over.

He said: “It all sounds good, Jenna, but I’m doing it for my kids. I want them to see dad and be proud of what I do. I absolutely love what I do, it’s been an amazing journey. I’ve been fortunate to play in Sydney for many years, but then to come to such a great club over here. What these people deserve, it’s everything. They’ve been through everything. I’m just really happy for them.”

“I’m just soaking it all up at the same time. It’s all over. It’s all over.”

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