A Home to Return To: Luke Keary's Big Decision
'Home is where the heart is,' as the saying goes, and for NRL legend Luke Keary, that heart lies with the Sydney Roosters. In a move that has left many fans and experts alike intrigued, Keary has chosen to reject a coaching offer from the Newcastle Knights, opting instead to return to the club where he made his mark and won two premierships.
Channel 9 reported that Keary turned down the opportunity to join Justin Holbrook's rebuilding project at the Knights. Instead, he's heading back to the Roosters, the team he played for from 2017 to 2024, accumulating an impressive 168 games.
'I'm going back to the Roosters,' Keary told Channel 9 News, his excitement palpable. 'That's my home.'
But here's where it gets interesting... Keary's return isn't just about nostalgia. He's taking on a coaching role, specifically working with the Roosters' halves and emerging players. However, he's quick to dispel any rumors of using this as a stepping stone to become a head coach.
'Definitely not,' he laughed. 'I want to stay involved in coaching, but I'm not looking to rush into a head coaching role.'
Keary's vision is to mentor the younger players, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. He also has his eyes set on exploring the corporate side of the Roosters' operations, having expressed interest in the business and finance aspects of the club.
'I'm interested in the corporate side too,' Keary said. 'I've done some university studies, so I want to delve into the business side of things.'
Keary's journey in rugby league has been nothing short of remarkable. After a brief stint in the Super League with Catalans, where he scored six tries in 27 games, he returned to the NRL with a bang. In total, he scored an impressive 48 tries in 231 NRL games, winning three premierships with the Rabbitohs and Roosters, and representing both NSW and the Kangaroos.
'If you had told me when I was knocking around in Burleigh with no contract that I'd achieve all this, I would have thought you were crazy,' Keary reflected. 'Leaving the Roosters last year was tough, but looking back, I'm incredibly grateful for the journey and all the people who supported me along the way.'
So, what do you think? Is Keary's decision to return to the Roosters a wise one? Or should he have taken on the challenge at the Knights? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions on this intriguing move.
