A career ends on the biggest stage
Daniel Tupou has retired from rugby league immediately after the Sydney Roosters won the grand final against Newcastle. He played his 307th and final match in the decider, ending his career with a fourth premiership and as the Roosters' all-time leading try-scorer. The one-club veteran made his NRL debut against Canberra in round 24 of 2012 and went on to play 15 seasons.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7][S8]
Tupou's try-scoring record grew steadily over his career. In 2023 he overtook club legend Anthony Minichiello to become the Roosters' greatest try-scorer, and the following season he became the first player to reach 150 tries for the club. He finished with 198 in total.[S1]
Tupou reflects on a life at one club
Tupou said he had been considering retirement for some time and felt the moment was right. He described himself as blessed to have spent his whole NRL career with the Roosters, a club that gave him his opportunity when he arrived as a young player. He said his faith had always been central to who he is and thanked God for the chances he received, the people around him and the ability to play the game he loves for so long.[S1]
He said playing more than 300 games and winning four premierships for one club meant a great deal, but that the people and memories he shared along the way would be what he treasured most. He also expressed gratitude to the coaches, staff and teammates, past and present, who helped him throughout his career.[S1]
Robinson pays tribute as Roosters plan ahead
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Tupou's achievements over 15 seasons would place him among the club's greats, but added that the numbers only tell part of the story. Robinson said Tupou had represented what the club wants a Rooster to be: consistent, selfless and dependable, and present in both big and tough moments. He credited Tupou with revolutionising the aerial game at the Roosters and called him the greatest high-ball specialist of all time, noting his understanding of early carries out of the backfield and defensive plays on the end of the line.[S1]
Robinson also said Tupou never chased recognition, simply turning up, working hard, caring about his teammates and representing the jersey with humility, which is why he is so respected. He described coaching Tupou for virtually his entire career as very special and said he had watched him 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 club's history.[S1]
The Roosters will need two new starting wingers after cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase switched back to rugby union following the decider. The club recently extended the contract of winger Tommy Talau, and Manly veteran Reuben Garrick will join next season. Cody Ramsey was outstanding while filling in for James Tedesco in 2026 and will also provide depth in the backline.[S1]
