'It's tough': Luke Keary shares emotional embrace with Brad Fittler as Roosters farewell departing stars
As he stepped off the field for the final time in his NRL career, Luke Keary was left choking back his tears.
It was not the farewell the Roosters halfback would have hoped for as his team's grand final hopes were snatched away by a firing Melbourne Storm outfit.
The 32-year-old backflipped on retirement in June, announcing he had inked a two-year deal to join Super League giants Catalans.
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But the emotions of a preliminary final defeat against Melbourne could not be ignored as he reflected on his departure with Nine's Brad Fittler.
Departing Rooster Luke Keary embraces Brad Fittler after preliminary final defeat. Nine
"They've been the best thing all year. They taught us a big lesson tonight, they will be tough to beat next week," Keary said.
"We were on top for a bit and we let them back in. They're a bloody great football team and bloody great football club. They deserve it."
The playmaker was an instrumental figure in one of the great chapters in the club's history, claiming two premierships rings, a Clive Churchill medal and 36 tries.
Over 780 games worth of experience will not return through the door in 2025, with five players confirming their departure.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves embraces coach Trent Robinson. Nine
Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu will make the switch to rugby union next season, while Sitili Tupouniua joins forces with the Canterbury Bulldogs and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves hangs up the boots.
"It's tough," Keary said of his farewell.
"I love them all. I've had great success with them.
"This club will be a strong for a long, long time."
Roosters players look dejected after conceding a try. Getty
Coach Trent Robinson praised the legacy and success that his departing squad leaves with the club.
"It's sort of the last time for a lot of guys who have put a lot of heart and soul into the jersey," he said.
"We feel really proud about the time they've spent with us. It is the last time they will be sitting in the sheds.
"These guys have impacted the history of our club and the jersey. I'm really proud of us as a club and they've had a huge impact on that.
"Luke is one of those players who missed a lot of teams and opportunities coming through. He bounced around a lot and he got the most out of his career."
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Close friend and skipper James Tedesco said the feeling of his teammates absences had yet to sink in.
"It will probably take a few days and a few beers to reflect on it," he laughed.
"I'll never play again in a Roosters jersey with him which is sad to think about.
"I've had great times with all the boys and they've all had a big impact on our team."
Grand final-bound coach Craig Bellamy offered his best wishes to the outgoing stars.
"I remember when Luke left souths we tried to get him here, I thought we had a good chance," he said.
"He was such a good bloke. A person you would love in your club.
"I've always been a real big fan of Jared. I love the way he plays the game, he never takes any prisoners, never has, never going to.
"I think they've both given the Roosters fans a lot of good times being as good as they have been, and as consistent for such a long time.
"They've been tremendous for the Roosters but also tremendous for the game.
"I wish them all the best."
