Sydney Roosters great Daniel Tupou has retired from rugby league, walking away days after winning his fourth premiership with the only NRL club he has played for.
The Roosters announced the decision on Wednesday 7 October, three days after the club’s 19-18 grand final win over the Newcastle Knights.
Tupou finishes with 198 tries in 307 games across 15 seasons. He is the Roosters’ greatest try-scorer, the second most-capped player in club history, and earlier this season he became just the 57th player in NRL history to reach 300 games.
Four premierships at one club
Tupou debuted against Canberra in Round 24 of 2012 and scored the Roosters’ opening try in the 2013 grand final win over Manly. He added premierships in 2018, 2019 and 2026, plus three World Club Challenge titles, and represented New South Wales, Australia and Tonga.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I know the time is right for me to finish playing,” Tupou said in the club statement.
“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.”
Robinson: “One of the greats”
Coach Trent Robinson, who has coached Tupou for almost his entire career, paid tribute to the winger’s work under the high ball.
“When you look at what Daniel Tupou has achieved over 15 seasons, he will stand as one of the greats,” Robinson said.
“Toops revolutionised the aerial game at the Sydney Roosters and became the greatest high-ball specialist of all time.”
Extension offer on the table
Tupou had recently been offered a one-year extension by the Roosters and had several offers from Super League clubs, Fox Sports reported.
His exit leaves Bondi short on the wing. Mark Nawaqanitawase is returning to rugby union for 2027, while the club has signed Reuben Garrick for next season, Zero Tackle reported. The premiers are also losing Spencer Leniu, who is set to join Parramatta.
Tupou already features in our list of the greatest Roosters of all time.
More News
