‘I’m proud of the career I’ve had’: Roosters star Luke Keary confirms 2024 will be his last in the NRL

Champion five-eighth Luke Keary has announced that he will retire from the NRL at the end of the season, bringing an end to one of the toughest careers that included premierships with the Rabbitohs and Roosters.

Keary, 32, made his debut in 2013 and won a title with the Bunnies the following season before he made the move to their biggest rivals in 2017 and he went on to win back-to-back grand finals in 2018 and 2019.

His performance in the 2018 decider is the crowning moment in a career in which he has represented NSW, Ireland and Australia, with Keary claiming the Clive Churchill Medal for taking control of the game with Cooper Cronk a passenger due to an injury he took into the contest.

Keary has had to deal with serious concussions and other major injuries throughout his career, although that had nothing to do with his decision to retire despite signing a new deal earlier this year.

“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 thought long and hard about and I know it’s the right one for me and my family,” Keary said.

“Rugby league has been a huge part of my life, and I’m proud of the career I’ve had.”

Keary spent his career working under Michael Maguire and Trent Robinson, and he paid tribute to the role they played in making him one of the toughest playmakers in the NRL.

“Madge (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,” he said.

“To Robbo (Robinson), I feel so privileged to have had the chance to play under you. From the day I got to 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.”

Robinson was glowing in his praise for Keary 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,” he 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.”

With Keary gone in 2025, Sam Walker and Sandon Smith will take full control of a team that will also be without rugby-bound stars Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

“It’s been a huge honour to play most of my career with the Sydney Roosters. This club and this area have become my home and I can’t thank all the staff and all our members and sponsors enough,” Keary said.

“I want you all to know that every time I put that Roosters jersey on, I gave every bit of myself to it and through the good and bad I hope I have been able to make you all proud.

“I can honestly say that I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by greatness my whole career. From my teammates at Souths in that 2014 team to some of the greatest players I’ve ever played with at the Roosters, especially all the boys part of the 2018 and 2019 teams, many I’m proud to call my closest friends.

“The admiration I have for you all will stay with me for life.”