ROOSTERS bound forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has revealed the pain of leaving the club that gave him a shot in the NRL, a chance that is now likely to secure him a Test jumper.
The 20-year-old backrower will on Friday join the New Zealand squad for training ahead of next month’s Four Nations tour of Europe.
Waerea-Hargreaves, along with Manly pair Steve Matai and Kieran Foran, is closing in on making the final cut for the end-of-season tournament.
But on Thursday he admitted leaving the Sea Eagles will be difficult, particularly after coach Des Hasler introduced him to the NRL this year.
“It was the biggest decision I had to make in my footy career,†he said of leaving Manly after two seasons.
“I had to get my parents, my mum from New Zealand and my dad from Brisbane to come over and have a chat about what’s best for my footy.
“They (Roosters) were interested from the start of the year when they heard I was off contract and they put in an offer on the table.
“I just wanted to focus on Manly and 2009 but then I had to make a decision.
“I wanted to stay with Manly. Des gave me the opportunity and I give them as much thanks as possible. Without their support I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.â€Â
It’s a position where he could be pulling on a New Zealand Test jumper.
The Manly Daily understands Waerea-Hargreaves will join his Manly mates for a training camp in Auckland on October 7.
From there, Kiwis’ Test coach Stephen Kearney will formalise his squad.
“I’m absolutely stoked to be involved, even if I don’t get a run,†Waerea-Hargreaves said.
“If I do, I’ll make sure I don’t treat it like my last. It will be an honour to represent my country.â€Â
The impressive New Zealander admitted he had no idea Brad Fittler was on the outer at Bondi Junction before he joined the club midway through the season.
With Fittler gone, former Parramatta and Newcastle coach Brian Smith will take over.
“I thought he (Fittler) was going to be the coach,†Waerea-Hargreaves said.
“Then, there was talk he wasn’t going to be the coach, I didn’t mind who was the coach. I just want to play footy.â€Â
Something the youngster does with relative ease.
Should Manly have kept young Jared? Have your say below.