Sydney Roosters playmaker Luke Keary announces NRL retirement ...
Luke Keary is set to retire from the NRL at the end of the season after opting out of the final year of his Sydney Roosters' deal.
Keary told his Roosters teammates of his decision on Monday and will play out the rest of 2024.
His decision is not linked to the several concussions he has suffered throughout his career.
"After 12 seasons and 27 years playing the game I love, I have decided this will be my last and that I will be retiring at the end of the year. It's a decision I have had thought long and hard about and I know it's the right one for me and my family," said Keary.
Keary has starred for the Roosters since joining the club in 2017. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
"Rugby league has been a huge part of my life, and I'm proud of the career I've had.
"Rugby league is the ultimate team sport, and I wouldn't be here today without my teammates, coaches, support staff, family, friends and mentors."
A rugby union prodigy as a teen, Keary debuted at South Sydney in 2013 and won a premiership as five-eighth in his second season.
But after a falling out with the Rabbitohs' co-owner Russell Crowe, Keary headed to the Roosters in 2017 — winning back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.
His performance in the 2018 grand final — in which he claimed the Clive Churchill Medal — was arguably the best of his career.
Keary paid tribute to both his clubs in a statement confirming his decision.
"(To) 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," Keary said.
"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.
Keary's choice to walk away comes just months after he signed a one-year extension to play on into 2025.
His exit is likely to leave Sandon Smith alongside Sam Walker in the Roosters halves next year.
Robinson hailed Keary's contributions to the club, on and off the field.
"Luke is our vice-captain and a man of high integrity who has always pushed beyond the limits of his physical capability," Robinson said.
"He has pushed through pain and bled in our jersey to be the best teammate he can be. His fire and craft have made him one of the toughest players that I have coached.
"I thank Luke for his commitment to the Roosters and his honesty in our relationship as a player and coach."
Keary played a sole State of Origin match for NSW in 2020, to go with two Tests for Australia in 2018.
He appeared in 63 NRL matches for the Rabbitohs and will play his 150th game for the Roosters this weekend against Brisbane.
ABC/AAP
