Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has announced his retirement from professional rugby league, concluding a distinguished 15-year career exclusively with the Roosters. This decision comes just days after the team's narrow 19-18 victory over the Newcastle Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final, marking Tupou's fourth premiership win with the club.
Debuting in 2012, Tupou quickly became a pivotal figure for the Roosters. He played a crucial role in the 2013 Grand Final, scoring the opening try against Manly, and contributed significantly to the team's subsequent premierships in 2018 and 2019. Over his career, he amassed 307 appearances and scored 198 tries, making him the Roosters' all-time leading try-scorer and the second most-capped player in the club's history.
Roosters head coach Trent Robinson lauded Tupou's contributions, stating, "When you look at what Daniel Tupou has achieved over 15 seasons, he will stand as one of the greats." Robinson highlighted Tupou's consistency, selflessness, and dependability, emphasizing his presence during critical moments for the team.
Beyond his club achievements, Tupou represented New South Wales in State of Origin matches and played internationally for both Australia and Tonga. His commitment to the sport and his teams has left an indelible mark on rugby league.
Reflecting on his career, Tupou expressed gratitude for his time with the Roosters, saying, "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."
Tupou's retirement marks the end of an era for the Roosters, as they bid farewell to a player whose impact on the club and the sport will be remembered for years to come.