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.
“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.
