Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has hailed Daniel Tupou as one of the NRL club’s all-time greats after the four-time premiership-winning winger announced his retirement.
Tupou is ending his 15-year career on a high after helping the Roosters win Sunday’s grand final against Newcastle.
The 35-year-old, who had been coy about his future all season, became just the sixth player in Roosters history to win four premierships with the club.
Across a 307-game, one-club career, the winger scored 198 tries, the third most of any player in premiership history behind Ken Irvine and Alex Johnston.
“When you look at what Daniel Tupou has achieved over 15 seasons, he will stand as one of the greats,” Robinson said in a statement.
“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.”
Tupou’s exit comes as the Roosters prepare for a big off-season exodus over the coming weeks.
Fellow winger Mark Nawaqanitawase and second rower Angus Crichton are moving to rugby union, playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans is heading to Super League side Hull FC, and Connor Watson is joining St George Illawarra.
But none of them gets close to having the impact the towering winger has had on the Roosters since his NRL debut in 2012.
As well as four premierships (2013, 2018, 2019, 2026), Tupou has won three World Club Challenges and played Test matches for both Tonga and Australia.
He was part of the Tongan side that defeated the Kangaroos in 2019 in one of the biggest upsets in international rugby league history.
Tupou played 10 times for NSW at State of Origin level between 2014 and 2022.
“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,” Robinson said.
Tupou retires as the greatest try-scorer in Roosters history after surpassing Anthony Minichiello in 2023.
AAP
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