Editorial Use Only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Magi Haroun/Shutterstock (5288190b) ADRIAN MORLEY LINES UP WITH HIS 3 CHILDREN FOR LEEDS Pix Magi Haroun 23.10.2015 RUGBYLEAGUE FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL LEEDS RHINOS V NEW ZEALAND Leeds Rhinos v New Zealand, Rugby League Friendly, Headingley Carnegie, Britain - 23 Oct 2015
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves embodies the playing style admired by Adrian Morley, reminiscent of Morley’s own aggressive approach on the rugby league field. Morley finds pleasure in observing Waerea-Hargreaves’ performance throughout his extensive NRL career, which has spanned 299 games so far. However, Morley acknowledges that Waerea-Hargreaves represents a vanishing breed of players due to recent rule changes aimed at enhancing player safety. He believes that Waerea-Hargreaves’ robust style may not be sustainable in the evolving landscape of the game, contrasting with the longevity that Waerea-Hargreaves has achieved. Morley expresses doubt that future players will emulate Waerea-Hargreaves’ style, acknowledging that it’s the unique willingness to push boundaries, occasionally crossing them, that defines players like Waerea-Hargreaves.
He plays the way I think the sport should be played. He’s probably the last of a dying breed.
Reaching the milestone of 300 games in the front row of the NRL is an extraordinary accomplishment, and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves should rightfully take immense pride in it. Similar to Adrian Morley’s impact when he arrived at Bondi from Leeds a decade prior, Waerea-Hargreaves brought a distinctive intensity to the Roosters when he joined them from the Sea Eagles in 2010, swiftly establishing himself as a key player for the club. His tenure saw him contribute significantly to three premiership victories for the Tricolours, alongside amassing 33 appearances for the Kiwis in Test matches. Trent Robinson, who witnessed Waerea-Hargreaves’ arrival as an assistant coach before taking the reins in 2013, expressed admiration for coaching him over the past 15 years. Robinson highlighted Waerea-Hargreaves’ enduring intensity, likening him to Paul Gallen as one of the few players who maintain such ferocity throughout their careers. Waerea-Hargreaves’ understanding of his role within the team, combined with his comfort in his playing style, has been a cornerstone of his consistency over the years. Meanwhile, Morley, from his vantage point in Greater Manchester, eagerly anticipates Waerea-Hargreaves’ upcoming stint in the Super League with Hull KR, confident that British fans will appreciate his physicality and commitment to the game. He predicts that Waerea-Hargreaves will make a significant impact in the competition, given his tenacity and determination, qualities that resonate with fans in the UK.
