ROOSTERS LEGEND FRIEND IN COURT THURSDAY AMIDST AVO APPLICATION
Former premiership captain faces court over domestic matter as club remains silent on his academy role
NSW Police have applied for an apprehended violence order against former Sydney Roosters premiership-winning hooker and current junior academy head Jake Friend, with the former captain due to appear in Burwood Local Court on Thursday.
Police have intervened in a domestic matter involving Friend and his wife, though the 33-year-old has not been charged in relation to the incident. The court appearance comes as the rugby league community awaits further details on the allegations, with the Roosters yet to comment publicly on the AVO application or Friend’s status within the organisation.
Friend has been a fixture at the Roosters for close to 20 years, transitioning into a coaching and development role after being forced into retirement in 2021 due to repeated concussions. He currently oversees the club’s junior pathways and academy system, playing a key role in nurturing the next generation of Tricolours talent.
Across a 14-year NRL career, he played 264 games for the Roosters and established himself as one of the club’s most decorated modern players – widely viewed as a redemption story. After being sacked by the Roosters in 2009 following early off-field controversy, Friend rebuilt his reputation to become a premiership-winning leader, captaining the club to three titles. He also represented Australia and Queensland at the highest level.
A no-nonsense player known for his fearless defence against larger opponents and unwavering courage, Friend developed into a skilled attacking force with an adept kicking game, contributing heavily to the Roosters’ sustained success and dominance during his playing days.
As the court date approaches, attention remains focused on both the legal proceedings and the potential impact on Friend’s position at the Roosters’ junior academy, with the club yet to outline any next steps regarding his role.
