The Sydney Roosters have been dealt another major blow with club legend Luke Keary announcing that he will retire from the NRL at the end of the year.

According to reports in the Sydney Morning Herald, the playmaker is set to inform teammates of his decision on Monday with a press conference to follow.

Keary is 32 but had signed an extension with Easts for another year and will forego that money to call it a day.

He won two Premierships with the Roosters, including a Clive Churchill Medal for his part in the 2018 triumph, as well as one with South Sydney in 2014.

Keary also made two appearances for the Kangaroos, one for New South Wales – despite being born in Queensland – and later repped his Irish heritage at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

The five eighth has suffered multiple concussions in his career and had been considered close to retirement two seasons ago after an extended break, but played on until now.

His departure leaves the Roosters severely weakened going into 2024: they have already lost both Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to rugby union and will see long-time enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves depart for the Super League.

Now, with Keary also done, they will race to lock down his halves partner, Sam Walker, who is able to speak to other clubs from November 1 and would be a hot target for the Broncos and Dolphins in his native Queensland.

More to follow