Roosters legend Boyd Cordner has paid tribute to his retiring ex-teammate Luke Keary, giving the inside story into his emotional decision.
The five-eighth will finish his playing career at the end of the season, with news breaking on Monday morning.
Cordner revealed it was last week when the three-time premiership winner told his teammates, following the side's 60-18 win over the Dragons.
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"It came as a bit of a surprise to us obviously with him signing the extension at the start of the year," he told 2GB's Wide World of Sports Radio.
"He told us a few days ago to be honest, got up in front of the boys after our review session from the Anzac Day game and let us all know.
"It's a big one for us because he's been at our club so long, he's spilt blood in that jersey and standing with him all those years we've created a pretty close friendship there so we've had some great times together and he's had some great memories in that jersey.
"He's going to be sorely missed that's for sure."
Keary's announcement came through the Roosters' media with the 32-year-old yet to hold a press conference.
His coach Trent Robinson told 9news Sydney he was surprised when informed of his decision.
"But also we had a good chat about it, he knew it was right for him," he said.
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Despite suffering numerous concussions throughout his career, Keary's decision was around entering the next phase of his life, with Cordner adding the five-eighth's message to the group was short and sharp.
"He didn't give any details into it, he was pretty brief with his address to the team," he said.
"Obviously it's a pretty emotional time so he didn't want to touch on it too much.
"I honestly haven't sat down with him or pressed him about it, it's still fresh … there wasn't really a moment (that made him retire) but obviously he's got a young family now.
"He'd be feeling the weight of the world off his shoulders, if he has been contemplating that for a while, it's an extremely tough decision knowing when to hang them up.
"I'm just so happy for him he's made that decision and can move on and have that release and relief from it all."
With Keary making various media appearances late in his career, there's many avenues open for the star half once he retires.
Cordner believes there's three definite options.
"He's done a few courses outside of footy I'm pretty sure, he's in to the business side of things, he has branched out and done some work experience with some guys here and there, he knows a lot of people in that world," he said.
"… The Roosters would love to have him involved in the club in some capacity.
"And then turning on the TV now seeing him on a couple of footy shows, commentating on the footy so I'm not too sure (what he'll do).
"He's a bit smarter than I am so he's got a few more options than me."
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