Home is where the heart is, and for rugby league legend Luke Keary, that home is undeniably with the Sydney Roosters. After a brief stint away, Keary has made the heartwarming decision to return to the club where he cemented his legacy, turning down an offer from the Newcastle Knights.
According to Channel 9, Keary opted out of a coaching role with the Knights, under the guidance of former Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook, to rejoin the Roosters in 2026. This marks a significant return to the club where he played an impressive 168 games between 2017 and 2024.
"I’m going to go back to the Roosters and have a small role with them," Keary shared with Channel 9 News, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I can’t wait. That is my home."
But here's where it gets interesting: Keary isn't just returning to the field; he's also looking to mentor the next generation. He plans to take on a coaching role, specifically focusing on the Roosters' halves and emerging players. However, Keary quickly dismissed any notion of using this as a stepping stone to a head coaching position. "Definitely not," he chuckled, emphasizing his desire to stay involved in coaching and pass on his wealth of knowledge.
And this is the part most people miss: Keary's ambitions extend beyond the field. He's also expressing a keen interest in exploring the corporate side of the Roosters' business. "I’m really interested in the corporate side, too," he revealed, highlighting his background in university studies and his interest in business and finance.
This decision is a testament to Keary's deep connection with the Roosters and his commitment to the sport. He played 231 NRL games for the Rabbitohs and Roosters, scoring 48 tries. He also secured three premiership wins: one with Souths in 2014 and two with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019. He also represented NSW in State of Origin and played five Tests for both the Kangaroos and Ireland.
Before his return, Keary played for Catalans in the Super League in 2025, scoring six tries in 27 games.
Keary's journey from a young player without a contract to a celebrated NRL star is nothing short of remarkable. "If you told me that when I came out of school and had no contract, knocking around in Burleigh, I would have said you were silly," Keary reflected. "I was really, not upset but sad leaving the Roosters last year. It is cool to look back and see how far I came. All the people that played a role in my career, I am really grateful for."
What do you think of Keary's decision? Do you believe his focus on mentoring young players and exploring the corporate side of the club is a smart move? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
