Waerea-Hargreaves stays with Roosters

SYDNEY, April 11 AAP – Kiwi enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves says his decision to commit his future to the Sydney Roosters was a straight-forward one and admits he never really gave much thought to leaving the NRL club.

The 23-year-old front-rower had been linked with moves to Parramatta to link up with his Test coach Stephen Kearney in addition to NSW Waratahs who were keen to prise him away from league to play Super Rugby next season.

“It’s been a privilege and an honour to be part of a great club,” Waerea-Hargreaves said after putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him with the Roosters until the end of the 2015 campaign.

“I’ve been pretty happy here and my family has been happy and I guess you do whatever makes you happy and that is why I stayed, I didn’t really think much about leaving.”

Waerea-Hargreaves refused to elaborate on what other clubs he spoke to but said pressure from close friends Mitchell Pearce and and Shaun Kenny-Dowall played a part in his decision.

“There was a process, but my heart is with the Roosters,” he said.

“I wasn’t really looking at anywhere else, I am happy here.

“There was a couple of boys out there like Pearcey and Skidsy (Kenny Dowall) and they were saying ‘come on, hurry up and sign’ and I am pleased that I have.

“I think there’s a real good future here.”

Coach Brian Smith said the contract was a great reward for Waerea-Hargreaves’ development into one of his young side’s leaders.

“Jared has been a stand-out player for us so far this year and to ensure that we have him here for a number of years is great for the Roosters,” said Smith.

“He has stepped up a gear this season and we are looking forward to watching him develop and become a leader in our team over the coming seasons.”

Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce was delighted to re-sign one the club’s best players and said it was a sign of the direction the club was heading in.

Jared has been part of our commitment to develop our young players over the past few years and he is a great asset to this club both on and off the field, he said.

Publisher: AAPNewswire

12 Apr 7:05 AM