Jake Friend has retired (Not yet official)

[fletch]

Congrats Friendy a true warrior for the red/white/blue.

[Batemans Bay Rooster]

"Friend, who will go down as one of the club’s greatest competitors,.."

Greatest players, not just greatest competitors

[IRoosterManI]

very sad to hear but he accomplished more than most in the game, and will go down as a legend.. he has nothing else to prove.

Thank you Jake for the memories

[Jacks Fur Coat]

"Fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired that you wish your opponent would crack you one on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round - remembering that the man who always fights one more round is never whipped."
- Jame J Corbett

Jake showed everyone what it means to be a true Rooster. Nothing more to prove. No more concussions or hurt. An example to any aspiring player. Now a part of the Easts legend.

[Tom Verlaine's Ghost]

Very disappointing. Players being hounded into retirement by power hungry doctors intent on convincing everyone they'll up a vegetable if they keep playing football. Yeah, in later life, maybe there will be some forgetfulness. Guess what, that's going to happen to many of us anyway. It's called getting old. I totally agree with James Graham: in life, you find something you love, and then you let it kill you.

I think Jake will come to regret this decision, once the hysteria dies down.

[Roosterfarian]

Very disappointing. Players being hounded into retirement by power hungry doctors intent on convincing everyone they'll up a vegetable if they keep playing football. Yeah, in later life, maybe there will be some forgetfulness. Guess what, that's going to happen to many of us anyway. It's called getting old. I totally agree with James Graham: in life, you find something you love, and then you let it kill you.

I think Jake will come to regret this decision, once the hysteria dies down.

Naive post from someone who wouldn’t have a clue about the inside story nor had a head knock playing RL at the highest level before.

[RoosterChick]

Sad news but I guess we knew it was coming. He will definitely be missed on the field but will also have a role on the training paddock I’d say. He’s well set up with running 2 businesses but he’ll probably have a part time coaching role too.

[Keith]

What a fantastic career !
loved by all Roosters and respected by all opposition.
we will miss you Jake.
enjoy retirement and all that life brings.

[Larry Long Balls]

Very disappointing. Players being hounded into retirement by power hungry doctors intent on convincing everyone they'll up a vegetable if they keep playing football. Yeah, in later life, maybe there will be some forgetfulness. Guess what, that's going to happen to many of us anyway. It's called getting old. I totally agree with James Graham: in life, you find something you love, and then you let it kill you.

I think Jake will come to regret this decision, once the hysteria dies down.

Science bitch! Just kidding, Its hard to accept but I think over time it will prove to be the right decision. I would have loved to see him play on but its not to be.

[Rooster1908]

Naive post from someone who wouldn’t have a clue about the inside story nor had a head knock playing RL at the highest level before.

Exactly, what a joke , if Jake can hopefully prevent himself and his family from suffering the terrible effects of this invidious disease then he should do that , as should Cords in my opinion .Health and family first .He is not a single man and what he does effects his loved ones

[King Salvo]

Wait till it's official but it seems a decision has been made . As far as cap relief goes - NRL has to approve medical retirement but be interested to read how the NRL is going to treat such retirements going forward.

It has been reported that Friend would be retained by the Roosters in an off-field role should he come to this decision. The Roosters are not expected to be given salary cap relief as compensation for Friend's retirement.

One would say his remaining contract payment will be paid undertaking the off field role so would still be included in the cap either way so no cap relief would be provided i assume.

[Larry Long Balls]

Exactly, what a joke , if Jake can hopefully prevent himself and his family from suffering the terrible effects of this invidious disease then he should do that , as should Cords in my opinion .Health and family first .He is not a single man and what he does effects his loved ones

Can't argue with that. They have both made money and achieved everything.

[Lydon]

Congratulations Jake Friend on an amazing career!

Will go down as a Roosters legend

3 Premierships and 1 State of Origin Series win

As a supporter of the Club i cant ask for anymore than that, what an achievement!

[BUDDY]

What a stellar career.
Coming back from a club suspension as a kitchen hand and the lung disease that nobody knew about that could have killed him.
As I have said in the past not many go from playing SG Ball into the NRL team in the same year.
He had something special from a young age.
Three premiership rings and happy he finally won an origin birth last year and played a big part in winning the series for Queensland.
I think his absence is now a major blow to our chances this year but his health is the most important thing.
Hopefully he gets his life membership at the awards night later this year.

[Kramer]

A great club man, a good bloke, and a great footy player. All the best Friendy enjoy your family mate.