Sydney Roosters skipper Jake Friend has started informing his closest friends and teammates that he will retire immediately from the sport.
Sources confirmed to the Herald that the veteran hooker, who suffered 20 concussions throughout a decorated career, last night informed his closest confidants at the Roosters that he will not play another game in the NRL after 264 games and 14 seasons at the top level.
Jake Friend has begun telling his teammates that he will retire immediately from the NRL.Credit:Getty Images
Friend, who will go down as one of the clubs greatest competitors, was heavily concussed at the Sydney Cricket Ground following a head knock in the opening round victory against Manly.
It was his third concussion in six months, prompting serious conversations about his welfare and health if he decided to return to the field.
Part of the reason Friend has decided to hang up the boots is because the perspective he gained from the birth of his first child just days before he suffered the career-ending head knock in his sides thumping victory over the Sea Eagles.
The Sydney Roosters are expected to make an official announcement in the next 48 hours. The club is now finalising the financial implications of his decision to retire. The Roosters wont be entitled to salary cap relief for the remainder of the season.
The Roosters have led the way when it comes to dealing with players suffering from concussion, providing Boyd Cordner, Luke Keary and Ryan Matterson extended time off from the sport to recover from the impact of their injuries.
Cordner has been rested for the first three months of the season following a series of concussions last year but is on track to return for the Tricolours in the round 14 clash against the Titans following the teams bye in round 13.