Resignation is desired by a top Sydney Roosters PNG player because of his wife’s concerning health remarks.
UPDATED: Luke Keary, the Roosters title playmaker, has said he would retire at the end of 2024, bringing an early stop to his career.
The Sydney Morning Herald and other media sources were the first to announce that the seasoned five-eighth rugby league player will be announcing his retirement.
After electing to hang up his boots, Keary will play out the remainder of the current season but forfeit the final year of his contract, which is valued at approximately $800,000.
The 32-year-old dealt a serious blow to the Tricolours when he announced in a statement issued by the club on Monday afternoon that he intended to retire from the NRL at the end of the current campaign.
Keary leaves hurt. (Photo courtesy of Getty)
Luke Keary intends to step down. Getty
“It’s a decision I have thought long and hard about and I know it’s the right one for me and my family,” Keary stated.
“Rugby league is the ultimate team sport, and I wouldn’t be here today without my teammates, coaches, support staff, family, friends, and mentors. It has played a significant role in my life, and I’m proud of the career I’ve had.”
“Playing for the Sydney Roosters for the most of my career has been an enormous honor. I can’t thank the staff, members, sponsors, and entire club personnel enough; this place has become my home. I gave my all every time I put on the Roosters jersey, and I hope that I have been able to make you all proud through the good times and the bad.
“Although I’m excited to take on new challenges in my post-football career, my main priority at the moment is giving this incredible club my all for the remaining 2024 campaign.” I’m enthusiastic about our future plans and am looking forward to making unforgettable experiences during the remaining months of the year.”
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Keary recently agreed to a one-year contract extension, but he has decided to end things a year early.
In addition, he expressed gratitude to Trent Robinson, the current coach, who brought the former NSW State of Origin player to Bondi in 2017 and afterwards paid respect to him.
Keary and Robinson together at a training session in 2017. Getty
“Luke is our vice-captain and a man of high integrity who has always pushed beyond the limits of his physical capability,” added the coach.
“To be the best teammate he can be, he has bled in our shirt and pushed through suffering. He is among the hardest players I have ever taught because of his ferocity and skill.
“I thank Luke for his commitment to the Roosters and his honesty in our relationship as a player and coach.”
Although Keary has had multiple concussions recently, there is no evidence that these incidents contributed to his call and they do not meet the requirements for medical retirement.
Less than a week has passed since Cronulla star Dale Finucane declared his early retirement due to frequent head knocks.
Alongside Adam Reynolds in the Rabbitohs lineup, Keary made his NRL debut in 2013 for South Sydney and went on to win the 2014 premiership.
In 2017, he defected to the rival Roosters, and he went on to win grand finals with the Tricolours in 2018 and 2019.
After the game, Luke Keary was upset.
Luke Keary. Getty
Keary’s representative career never really got off, even though he was one of the NRL’s greatest five-eighths for a considerable amount of time.
In 2020, he participated in one Origin match for New South Wales, but he never again donned the Blues jersey. In 2018, he made two appearances for Australia.
At the end of the season, Keary will be among several prominent players leaving the Roosters. Kiwi prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is leaving for the Super League, while both explosive utility backs Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii are leaving to play rugby.
The futures of seasoned winger Daniel Tupou and backrower Angus Crichton, who are not signed through 2025, are still up in the air.
