“It’s about keeping the spirit fresh and hopefully the show will take care of that [the future].
“I’ve been here for 14 seasons. It’s a club I really love and am passionate about and hopefully I can continue to enjoy my football.”
Few forwards are more intimidating than Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.Credit: getty
Waerea-Hargreaves is aware of the Catalan’s interest and the club kept a place on its books until last month in case Chooks’ fanatical hero changes his mind.
“Steve ‘Mac’ and I had a really good relationship at Chooks, the south of France attracts everyone in their late career,” Waerea-Hargreaves said.
“But I have three young children who are all in primary school and we have had a lot of support from our family. The south of France sounds good and it was a big ask to get there.
“Rooster Team is everything I’ve ever known, it’s what I’m passionate about, and I’ll definitely see myself moving forward again, of course.”
The Roosters already have Lindsey Collins in the frontcourt and Penrith-wrecking ball Spencer Leniu on the way for next year, while needing to call on out-of-contract prop Matt Lodge.
Waerea-Hargreaves said he has occasionally considered retirement in recent years.
He recalled a conversation a decade ago with Balmain legend Steve Roach about how the front row players were playing their best football after 150 first-year games. If he stays healthy, Waerea-Hargreaves will double that number by season’s end and is shortening the odds of breaking Mitch Aubusson’s record of 306 games.
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“That’s the last thing on my mind – winning games is the priority,” Waerea-Hargreaves said of getting into the 300 club. “[But] It would be nice to look back and say you hit those special numbers.
“Going into the preseason I just played in, I wanted to give myself the best chance, whether it’s the end of the year or another year, you just want to end it the way you want.
“I’ll let my feet do the talking now and enjoy what I’m doing. I’ll make a decision in the next few weeks.
“I’m in pain, but I’ve been in pain for 10 years. It’s a big part of what we do. I love it. I love it to death.”
