Announces Retirement.
Reflecting on his decision, Keary said, “After 12 seasons and 27 years of playing the game I love, I’ve decided this will be my final season. It’s a choice I’ve thought about carefully, and I’m confident it’s the right one for me and my family.”
Keary expressed his pride in his rugby league career and acknowledged the significant role the sport has played in his life. He thanked his teammates, coaches, support staff, family, and mentors for their support throughout his journey. He paid special tribute to key figures in his development, including his early coaches Paul Griffin, Mark Mahoney, and Ben Gardiner, as well as Matt King, who has been a close friend and mentor from the start. Keary also expressed deep gratitude to his head coaches, Michael Maguire and Trent Robinson, for their influence on his career.
Keary highlighted his time with the Sydney Roosters, stating, “Playing most of my career with the Roosters has been a tremendous honor. This club and the community have become my home, and I’ve always given my all every time I put on that jersey.”
He also expressed his appreciation to the club’s chairman, Nick Politis, and the board for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the significance of his teammates, particularly those from the 2014 Souths team and the Roosters’ 2018 and 2019 teams, many of whom he considers close friends.
Keary thanked his family, especially his wife Amy and their children, for their constant support. He concluded by expressing his commitment to giving his all for the Roosters for the remainder of the 2024 season and his excitement about the future.
Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson praised Keary’s leadership, resilience, and contribution to the club, describing him as a player of high integrity and one of the toughest he has coached. Robinson also thanked Keary’s family for their positive influence on the Roosters’ environment.
Keary’s NRL career began with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2013, where he played 63 games and won a Premiership (2014) and World Club Challenge title (2015). He joined the Roosters in 2017, making 149 appearances to date and winning two Premierships (2018, 2019) and two World Club Challenge titles (2019, 2020). Keary has also represented Australia, Ireland, and New South Wales in representative football. He is the current holder of the Roosters’ James Mathews Medal, awarded to the Clubman of the Year in 2023.
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