NRL greats reflect on moments shared with outgoing Roosters star Luke Keary

Two NRL greats have shared heartfelt stories about outgoing Roosters star Luke Keary, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the 2024 season. Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk, speaking on the Matty Johns podcast, paid tribute to Keary’s illustrious career with anecdotes that showcased his character.

Johns recalled a moment from Keary’s early days playing for Souths in the under 20s, where he suffered a pec injury that left him feeling down. Johns reached out to Keary and took him for a walk to lift his spirits. Keary expressed his fear of not making it in the game, to which Johns responded, “Mate, what you just said there is the reason why you are going to make it.” This interaction highlighted Keary’s determination and resilience.

Cronk shared a story from the lead up to the 2018 grand final, where he had a broken shoulder and doubts about his ability to play. Keary, his halves partner that season, stood up in a team meeting and declared that they would win the game regardless of Cronk’s availability. This bold statement inspired the team and shifted the focus to Keary as the leader on the field.

Despite Cronk playing with a 30% functioning shoulder, the Roosters emerged victorious in the grand final, with Keary delivering a standout performance. Cronk praised Keary for stepping up and steering the team to success in a crucial moment.

These stories exemplify the impact Keary has had on his teammates and the respect he has earned throughout his career. As he prepares to hang up his boots, his legacy as a talented player and a strong leader will be remembered in the NRL community.