Jake Friend has retired (Not yet official)

[infidelrooster]

By far one of the most courageous players to ever wear the Tricolours,you will be missed,3 magnificent Premierships,you were a pitbull in the middle of the ruck.Have a happy life Champion!

[milanja]

Shame he won’t get a last send off game.

he copped plenty on here time to time, but always came back strong, and was always missed when not playing.

all the best for his future.

[Spirit of 66]

There's an article in The Telegraph that explains why a "loophole" means the Roosters won't get any cap relief. If anyone has access, I'd be interested to learn more.

[King Salvo]

End of an era - exemplifies our great club in so many ways

Your right there as I think Friend would be the last Arthur Beetson recruited player left playing at the club after Maubs retirement last year. SKD would then be the last Arthur Beetson recruited player still playing ?.

[Bruce 38-0]

I just want to say I agree with most comments already posted.

A true Rooster. Embodies everything they we like about the Club we support. I am sure Trobbo would also say ‘He is a Great Man as well’

Whilst a lot of us remember the more recent years, I think we also have to look at his past and see how he has grown up from that young energetic youth (and the things he did) to how he turned himself around.

The sacking, playing for the Atherton Roosters (please correct me if wrong), the job he got as a sandwich hand courtesy of the Roosters support who owned the sandwich shop. And of course Uncle Nick who stood by him, saw his true attributes and welcomed him back.

I am sure someone has access to an article written about his journey a few years back.

My greatest memory is the 2018 GF running backwards with the ball and being chased by C. Smith with seconds to go on the clock.

Thanks for all the memories Jake and all the best for the next part of your life.

[BenCumminsIsACheat]

There's an article in The Telegraph that explains why a "loophole" means the Roosters won't get any cap relief. If anyone has access, I'd be interested to learn more.

"Under NRL rules, clubs cannot claim salary cap relief in the same season the player suffers the injury."

We could have got relief for future years but his contract was up at the end of this year anyway

[doves07]

We knew it may be coming, but its still a shock, I feel more emotional for his loss than I did for Freddy, fitzy and mini
I think we all know he put in 110% every time he wore our colours
best wishes jake you are a legand, now a dad and a rooster forever

[Batemans Bay Rooster]

Working in Surry Hills at the time I went to Jim's sandwich shop almost every day when Jake was doing his penance.

What a player.

[QWERTY]

I remember in 2010 when I saw Friend was back in the squad after being sacked. I thought that was a stupid decision to let him back in. Friend proved me to be a moron. He’s an inspiration to the club, a cornerstone of our culture and his leadership and skill set (especially in defence) will be greatly missed. Good luck in the future Friend, you deserve it

[King Salvo]

"Under NRL rules, clubs cannot claim salary cap relief in the same season the player suffers the injury."

We could have got relief for future years but his contract was up at the end of this year anyway

mmm - Inglis - When he retired Souffs Vermin could use the difference between contract payment remaining less off field role salary by June 30 of that year- 300k - last year of his contract full contract less off field role - 900k. they say he didn't take a dime of the remaining contract money when he retired only paid for off field role which was included in the cap,

[King Salvo]

There's an article in The Telegraph that explains why a "loophole" means the Roosters won't get any cap relief. If anyone has access, I'd be interested to learn more.

i can't see it either only the heading and here's why

[Random Rooster]

Congratulations to Jake on a magnificent career. He always gave everything he had on the field....and that was a lot!

After hearing that he has suffered 20 concussions in his career i was glad he called it quits. He has achieved everything in the game....nothing left to prove

[The Marshall]

and no salary cap relief
of course

Jake Friend retires from NRL, Sydney Roosters captain quits over concussion issues (nine.com.au)

Friend is one of the toughest Roosters ever and as a 3 time premiership player one of our greats. Well done Jake.
On the salary cap I wonder how the Fool from Souths managed to convince the NRL that his chronic shoulder problem he carried for years was new and they get cap relief but Friend doesn’t for a concussion?

[Easts75]

I just want to say I agree with most comments already posted.

A true Rooster. Embodies everything they we like about the Club we support. I am sure Trobbo would also say ‘He is a Great Man as well’

Whilst a lot of us remember the more recent years, I think we also have to look at his past and see how he has grown up from that young energetic youth (and the things he did) to how he turned himself around.

The sacking, playing for the Atherton Roosters (please correct me if wrong), the job he got as a sandwich hand courtesy of the Roosters support who owned the sandwich shop. And of course Uncle Nick who stood by him, saw his true attributes and welcomed him back.

I am sure someone has access to an article written about his journey a few years back.

My greatest memory is the 2018 GF running backwards with the ball and being chased by C. Smith with seconds to go on the clock.

Thanks for all the memories Jake and all the best for the next part of your life.

I think it was Todd Carney who played for the Atherton Roosters

[mightyrooster]

A sad day to lose one of our greats. Jake gave his all and put his body on the line every time he went out to play for our mighty club. He just tackled and tackled till the final siren, mostly opponents much much bigger than himself. I’ll never forget the contributions he made to the 18 and 19 Grand Final wins. The last one after having barely played a game all year. I was also so happy he got to finally play for his beloved QLD, and a series victory to boot, even though I’m a Blues fan and didn’t enjoy it much.

First Aubo and now Jake. We’ve been through a fantastic decade of success and Jake was a big part of that. I only wish he could have played in front of the fans one last time to give him the send off he so richly deserves.

All the best in retirement Jake, put your feet up and enjoy your family.