Why JWH's 'rare' legacy is unmatched in modern era

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there is absolutely no doubting his legacy for the Sydney Roosters and across the NRL.

The 35-year-old Kiwi forward announced on Tuesday his plans to finish his time in the competition at the end of this season, with reports indicating a potential move to the Super League to join up with Hull KR.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Waerea-Hargreaves will become the most capped player in the Roosters’ enormous 116-year history, which is a mighty achievement for a front-rower that has played the game as hard as him.

Speaking to the media prior to the side’s trip to Las Vegas, current captain James Tedesco reacted to the news and the relationship they have shared over the years.

“It won’t be the same at the Roosters without Jared here,” he said.

James Tedesco and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves are two of the Sydney Roosters’ all-time greats.

“I’ve loved every moment playing with him. He’s one of the best guys you can meet and a true warrior on the field. Whenever I run out with him, I feel safe and confident.

“You could be on a flight with him to LA for 12 hours and he wouldn’t stop talking the whole time. He’s just a genuine, down-to-earth guy … you guys all see the warrior he is, but off the field you won’t meet a nicer guy.

“It’s hard to put into words. I’ve got so much respect for him.”

Waerea-Hargreaves has won three premierships with the Chooks since joining the club 14 years ago and was part of a historic back-to-back triumph in 2018 and 2019, but will be hoping to enter rarefied air with a fourth ring in his final NRL campaign.

Perhaps no single player has meant more to the organisation this century than Waerea-Hargreaves, who despite never being a full-time captain, has been seen as the leader of the pack on and off the field throughout all their highs and lows.

Trent Robinson has been part of JWH’s journey for over a decade and the pair have tasted premiership glory together on numerous occasions. The coach paid tribute to the departing prop’s contribution.

“He has been a huge part of the club’s success and there’s no question he will go down in history as one of the best forwards to wear the Roosters jersey,” Robinson said.

“Jared is the heart and spirit of our club and he is family to the Roosters.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to coach someone that plays the game the way he has for more than a decade.”

On a wider scale, Waerea-Hargreaves is one of the elite big men of the 21st century and has been described as the last of a dying breed – a genuine enforcer in a modern-day game built around speed and skill, while also displaying workhorse tendencies.

Since becoming a regular starter for the Tricolours, Waerea-Hargreaves has averaged 129 run metres per game in the NRL, while his tackle efficiency rate has rarely dropped below 90 per cent in any of those seasons.

Waerea-Hargreaves has walked a fine line throughout his career and while sometimes he overstepped it, the Roosters have often relied on his ruthless aggression, tone-setting carries and brute defensive force to get them over the line.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has had his fair share of run-ins with NRL officials.

“You don’t see many front-rowers in the game like him, who have done it for as many years … the way he’s played the game is pretty rare,” Tedesco said.

“I’m sure others will come through, but he’s definitely a benchmark for front-rowers.

“It’s pretty rare to find someone else like him.”

With an incredible career winding down, there isn’t much left for Waerea-Hargreaves to achieve in the sport in the famous red, white and blue or for New Zealand, where his 33 appearances ranks him among their all-time most capped international players.

But at the end of this season, it will come as no surprise when the legendary enforcer is placed alongside Arthur Beetson, Brad Fittler, Anthony Minichiello, Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend on the iconic Roosters mural located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.