Friend to retire

[BUDDY]

Just up on DT site.
I hope it's fake news

[BUDDY]

An emotional Sydney Roosters skipper Jake Friend is poised to announce his retirement.

After suffering three concussions in his last six games, Friend will make the toughest decision of his career when he meets with coach Trent Robinson and the club’s medical staff on Tuesday.

The Sunday Telegraph understands he is leaning towards calling it quits after 14 seasons, 264 NRL games, three State of Origins for Queensland and one Test. He has been a co-captain for six years.

Jake Friend is poised to announce his retirement. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Roosters powerbrokers are concerned for his long-term wellbeing as a new father and are more than comfortable with the decision.

Friend has been wrestling with the retirement call since he was knocked out in the opening round game against the Manly Sea Eagles at the SCG.

He has told teammates he feels like he is letting them down.

Friend told The Sunday Telegraph a week later that he would be guided by medical advice.

“I want to keep playing but I’ll be guided by the medical experts,” he said.

“We’ll see what happens.”
Jake Friend was knocked out in the Roosters’ round one clash with Manly at the SCG. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
It is understood Friend could be offered an off-field role with the Roosters.

Friend only inked a one-year deal last year. He has struggled with ongoing shoulder and neck issues in the past couple of seasons.

Friend achieved his long-term goal of playing Origin last year, featuring in the Maroons’ series win. He played one Test for Australia in 2016.

The Roosters have already assured Friend’s long-term successor with premiership-winning hooker Sam Verrills. Verrills, who is recovering from another minor knee operation, is signed with the club until the end of 2024.
Jake Friend could be offered an off-field role with the Roosters. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
His Roosters co-captain Boyd Cordner is sidelined until at least round 12 after a bout of serious concussions in recent years. There were concerns for Cordner’s long-term future but it is expected the Australian skipper will return to the field.

Friend, who made his Roosters debut in 2008, sits fourth over-all in game’s played for the Roosters with 264. Only 300-gamers Mitch Aubusson, Anthony Minichiello and Luke Ricketson have played in more matches for the tri-colours.

JAKE FRIEND

Debut: 2008 v Canterbury round 16.

Games: 264 top grade games, fourth all-time in Roosters history. 27 tries, one field goal.

Representative: One Test for Australia in 2016, three games for Queensland in 2020, NRL-All Stars 2017

Grand finals: Four

Premierships: Three including two as co-captain

[Easts to Win]

If true, what a wonderful career he has had. Definitely a Roosters legend.

[King Salvo]

I can only read the heading not the full articles as the DT and SMH both have a series of articles not only about Friend's possible retirement but Robbo saying the NRL needs to take lead on Concussions and Friend could remain with the Roosters - post footy i assume - it says he's poised to announce his retirement

[zac]

sad news, but what a career's he had.
a rooster's hero during one of the club's golden eras.
thanks for the memories jake!

[Mickie Lane]

The Chookpen has been discussing this since his last incident & everyone has had their say & just like the Daily Telegragh none of know what he is going to do.
Friend having the meeting with the Roosters on Monday is not new news. fletch started a thread on it earlier this week. The Daily Telegragh come on the Chookpen for sure.

[NorthChook]

For all anyone knows he may just announce after the meeting he will retire at the end of the year - makes sense since his contract ends then. Seems to be still training?

[King Salvo]

The Chookpen has been discussing this since his last incident & everyone has had their say & just like the Daily Telegragh none of know what he is going to do.
Friend having the meeting with the Roosters on Monday is not new news. fletch started a thread on it earlier this week. The Daily Telegragh come on the Chookpen for sure.

It's a 50 -50 statement like all 2 horse races. retire or not retire - until it's confirmed it's all speculation

[RoosterChick]

Whatever happens it will be Jakes decision. He will take the medical advice and then make a call. Whether he plays on or retires, he is a genuine hero of our club. I am expecting him to call it a day. After the last concussion when he was convulsing laying on the ground I’d say it may be time. We will miss him a lot but his health comes first.

[Lydon]

The Club showed a lot of faith in him early in his career after a few indiscretions got him into some trouble..

Since that happened he followed Club guidelines perfectly and repayed the faith ten fold!

Well done Jake and good luck with whatever decision you make.

[Johnny Tobin]

What about the idiots looking for a conspiracy - as though we wanted this to happen. It leaves us horribly exposed.

[Tommy Smith]

I sincerely hope he is able to play out the season - he'd still provide immense value playing 40min off the bench; which in turn greatly reduces his risk to concussion.

But if he has indeed played his last game then so be it. His health and family comes first.

Jake is one of the greatest and toughest Roosters of all time. The embodiment of the Roosters culture Robbo has instilled so no doubt he'll continue to contribute after retirement.

[Snapn1]

Sad but it's the right call ! When a player can't give 100 due to injuries then that's when it's time up ! Big lose

I here he has a coffee shop and a plumbing business so i think this maybe the right call and enjoy his life with his family

[Rooster1908]

Sad if true for a bloke that has had a remarkable career for the Roosters made even more remarkable by the way he came back from adversity. A true club legend for mine

[Jacks Fur Coat]

I hope its right, for all concerned. Jake has written himself into Easts legend. His work is done.