In the early 2000s, he was embroiled in a number of off-field controversies, but made a career comeback until repeated concussions forced him to quit the game in 2021.
Following his retirement, Friend became the head of the Sydney Roosters Academy and the academy’s head coach.
Outside his youth mentoring, Friend runs a plumbing company and owns a café in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732); Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; Lifeline 131 114; Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
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