“It was an emotional week for sure, it was pretty overwhelming.” Waerea-Hargreaves said. “I don’t like to make it about me a lot of the time, but my wife kept me in check. She was like, ‘it’s not about you, it’s about the kids’.
“My daughter [Zhali], she’s nine, and she was telling all her friends at school that she was going to run out on TV and be famous, so to hear those little stories, just makes you really proud and puts everything into perspective.”
Former team-mates, coaches and members of the current playing squad came together the day before the match to pay tribute to Waerea-Hargreaves during an emotional gathering to celebrate his milestone.
“It was huge, just the amount of words that the boys said, I actually had to say, ‘enough’s enough’ because it was getting too emotional,” Waerea-Hargreaves said.
“To have all your best mates there that you’ve known since day one, since the first the first days back in 2010, and just to sit in a room and have a bit of a yarn and talk about the many memories …
“I got presented my jersey by Mitchell Pearce, who I met 18 years ago, so it was just really special, and it was a special week, with the amount of support so I’m just super grateful.
“The amount of texts from coaches, ex-players, teachers, friends, family friends … it was so overwhelming.
“I’m a guy that likes to text back as well, and get back to everyone, but at one stage, there was just way too many. I just wanted to send a big group chat and just say, ‘love youse all’.”
Those who have known Waerea-Hargreaves throughout his 15-year NRL career will attest that he is a different man away from the limelight than the enforcer who takes the field each week and fans got a glimpse of that on Friday night.
However, he also knows his role for the Roosters and plans to depart at the end of the season for a stint in Super League with a fourth premiership ring.
“I think early on you try and find out who you are and then you try and navigate your way through your career,” he said.
“I remember ‘Blocker’ Roach saying to me that it’s not until about 27 that you find out who you really are – your identity as a player, as a front rower, as a man.
“Even now, at 35, I still remember that chat really clearly. He might not remember it, but I remember it exactly, because I was like, that’s ‘Blocker’ Roach.
“We were standing in the tunnels, and he was doing a cross or something [for TV]. I knew his son Dan, really well and he stopped, and he said, ‘I love your style, keep doing what you’re doing, but you won’t realise until you’re about 27 who you are.
“At the time I was 21, and I was like, ‘I know who I am’, but I didn’t until I got to that age. And then you have kids, and a purpose and a why.
“To see how much joy it brings them, and to be able to give them an opportunity at life, and to come and see these boys at a great club and stadium, that’s my why. That’s the fire, and the love and passion that I have for this club.
“I’m super grateful for everyone that’s been involved in my career. From Nick [Politis] and the board and coaching staff to the people within this building … the medical staff and, obviously, your best mates that you go and have some success with over the years.
“You just love what you do and you’re passionate about who you represent, the role you play as a leader, as a dad, as a mate. I just love turning up to work and representing this proud club.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo presented Waerea-Hargreaves with the traditional 300-game match ball following the match.
“Jared is everything you want an NRL player to be, tough and athletic on the field, and a leader and role model off it,” Mr Abdo said.
“Jared’s on-field career speaks for itself – 300 games in the middle of the field is truly remarkable. He has won three Premierships over 15 NRL seasons in his career.
“What sets him apart is the respect he commands across the game.
“When you speak to his teammates, or those who have gotten to know him, there is universal agreement about Jared’s outstanding character, the contribution he has made to his Club and the work he has done in the community.
“On behalf of the Rugby League community, I congratulate Jared on achieving this special milestone.”
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