Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou has ended his career in fairytale fashion after deciding to retire after his side’s grand final victory over Newcastle.
Tupou played his 307th and last game in the decider, finishing with a fourth premiership and as the club’s greatest ever try-scorer. The one-club stalwart has been a constant since making his NRL debut against Canberra in round 24 in 2012, starting a career that spanned 15 seasons.
Tupou’s longevity was matched by his remarkable ability to find the try line. In 2023, he surpassed club legend Anthony Minichiello as the greatest try-scorer in Roosters history, before becoming the first player to score 150 tries for the club the following season. He finishes with a total of 198.
Tupou said he felt blessed to have spent his entire NRL career with the Roosters.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I know the time is right for me to finish playing,” Tupou said.
“It’s hard to put into words what the Roosters have meant to me because this club has been such a big part of my life. I feel incredibly blessed. I came here as a young kid just hoping for an opportunity and I could never have imagined the journey that would follow or everything I would be fortunate enough to experience along the way.
“My faith has always been a really important part of who I am, and I’m grateful to God for the opportunities I’ve been given, the people He has placed in my life and for allowing me to play the game I love for as long as I have.
“To have played my whole NRL career at one club means a lot to me. The Roosters gave me my opportunity and this has become my home. To play more than 300 games, win four premierships and share those moments with so many great teammates is something I’ll always be proud of.
“The premierships are obviously very special, but when I look back, it’s the people and all the memories we’ve shared together that I’ll probably treasure the most. I’ve made friendships here that will last a lifetime. I’m really grateful to all the coaches and staff who have helped me throughout my career, and to all of my teammates, past and present.”
The Roosters will need two new wingers after cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase switched back to rugby union after the decider. The Roosters recently extended the contract of winger Tommy Talau.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Tupou’s place in the club’s history was assured.
“When you look at what Daniel Tupou has achieved over 15 seasons, he will stand as one of the greats,” Robinson said. “But those numbers only tell part of the story of Toops and what he means to this club.
“Since he made his debut, he has represented what we want a Rooster to be. He has been incredibly consistent, selfless and dependable, and whenever there has been a big moment or a tough moment, he has been present.
“Toops revolutionised the aerial game at the Sydney Roosters and became the greatest high-ball specialist of all time. He has always understood the importance of those early carries out of the backfield and the defensive plays on the end of the line.
“He has never chased recognition. He has just turned up, worked hard, cared deeply about his teammates and represented the jersey with humility. That’s why he is so respected by everyone who has played and worked alongside him.
“To coach someone for virtually his entire career is very special. I’ve watched Toops grow from a young man finding his way in first grade into a husband, a father, a leader and one of the greatest players in the history of our club.
“We love Toops, we’re incredibly proud of him, and his name will always hold a very special place in the history of the Sydney Roosters.”
