He spent his entire first-grade career, spanning 2008 to 2021, with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL); at the time of his retirement, he was the club's co-captain.

The Noosa Pirates junior joined the Roosters on a scholarship when he was 15 and, in 2008, progressed from SG Ball through to Toyota Cup to the NRL in just four months.

Friend's good form continued in 2011 and despite a lacklustre year by the team, he was awarded the club's highest individual honour, the Jack Gibson Medal, after a season of consistent performances.

He also won the Ashton Collier medal for Man of the Match in the 2014 ANZAC Game between the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons.

Friend returned to the Easts team for the ANZAC Day match against St George but suffered a torn right bicep and was ruled out for 10 weeks.

[9][10] The following week against Newcastle, Friend was taken from the field during the club's 48–10 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground with a fracture to his forearm.

[12][13] On 22 February 2020, Friend played for the Sydney Roosters in their 2020 World Club Challenge victory defeating St Helens R.F.C.

[15] On 4 November 2020, Friend made his debut for Queensland[16][17] in Game 1 of the 2020 State of Origin series as they won 18–14 in an upset victory at Adelaide Oval.

On 8 April 2021, Friend announced his immediate retirement from Rugby League[18] due to repeated head knocks,[19] having suffered from an estimated 20 concussions throughout his career.

It was alleged the niece of ABC radio commentator David Morrow 'was punched' at The Tank nightclub in The Rocks.