Captain Jake Friend was all heart again in 2020, continuing a trend that's lasted since the beginning of his playing career.
Friend has a reputation of racking up big numbers in the tackle count, but to do it with such high efficiency is just a small part of what makes him such a good leader in this playing group.
In round 15 against the Wests Tigers, Friend notched an incredible 52 tackles and 0 missed.
In the absence of Sam Verrills, Friend took plenty of weight on his shoulders both on and off the field to fill a void left by the utility hooker.
To conclude the 2020 season, Friend was called into the Queensland Maroons squad for the first time in his rugby league career and played the entire series.
The Maroons went on to win the State Of Origin series, fulfilling a life-long dream for the Roosters captain.
Friend re-signed with the Roosters in the off-season, which will see him lace up the boots for his fourteenth season with the Club in 2021.
SEASON RECAP
PHOTO OF THE YEAR
HIGHLIGHT PLAY OF THE YEAR
Friend ices victory over Souths
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
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Key stats: 1 try assist, 2 offloads, 51 tackles, 9 post contact metres
SEASON ACCOLADES
VB Hard Earned Effort: Round 7, Round 18
Strong Connect | Hard Earned Effort
OTHER ACCOLADES
- Queensland Maroons debut
- First State Of Origin series win
