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The Sydney Roosters have been dealt another major blow with club legend Luke Keary announcing that he will retire from the NRL at the end of the year.
According to reports in the Sydney Morning Herald, the playmaker is set to inform teammates of his decision on Monday with a press conference to follow.
Keary is 32 but had signed an extension with Easts for another year and will forego that money to call it a day.
He won two premierships with the Roosters, including a Clive Churchill Medal for his part in the 2018 triumph, as well as one with South Sydney in 2014.
Keary also made two appearances for the Kangaroos, one for New South Wales – despite being born in Queensland – and later repped his Irish heritage at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
The five eighth has suffered multiple concussions in his career and had been considered close to retirement two seasons ago after an extended break, but played on until now.
His departure leaves the Roosters severely weakened going into 2024: they have already lost both Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii to rugby union and will see long-time enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves depart for the Super League. Daniel Tupou and Angus Crichton are also unsigned beyond this year.
Now, with Keary also done, they will race to lock down his halves partner, Sam Walker, who is able to speak to other clubs from November 1 and would be a hot target for the Broncos and Dolphins in his native Queensland.
“Rugby League has been a huge part of my life, and I’m proud of the career I’ve had,” said Keary in a statement.
“Rugby League is the ultimate team sport, and I wouldn’t be here today without my teammates, coaches, support staff, family, friends and mentors.
“From my first coaches Paul Griffin and Mark Mahoney to my Under 20s coach Ben Gardiner who nurtured me into first grade, to Matt King who has been there from day dot as a player then coach, and most importantly a mate.
“And my two Head coaches. Madge (Michael Maguire), you gave me first shot and I’ll be forever grateful to you.
“You took me in as a kid and taught me how to be a first grader. The lessons and toughness you ingrained in me have stayed with me my whole career.
“To Robbo (Trent Robinson), I feel so privileged to have had the chance to play under you. From the day I got the Roosters it felt like home for me, you’ve been a mentor and mate for eight years.
“We’ve enjoyed success and hardship and I couldn’t have asked for a better coach through the whole journey. From me and my family, I want to say thank you for the opportunity you have given me to become the best player I could be over the last eight years.”