Roosters ‘lost for words’ as four-time premiership winner retires
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Roosters champion Daniel Tupou has decided to retire from rugby league.
The club announced the news on social media on Wednesday, saying, “We’re lost for words”.
Daniel Tupou (centre) retires from rugby league. Getty Images
Tupou played in Sunday’s grand final win over Newcastle, which was his fourth premiership win with the Chooks.
He also played in the 2013, 2018, and 2019 triumphs.
He made his NRL debut in 2012 and finishes with 307 games to his name – the second most in club history – and a club-record 198 tries.
The 35-year-old left his future hanging all year and there was speculation he might go around again in 2027, but has decided to end his career on the ultimate high.
Tupou was also not named in Tonga’s World Cup squad on Tuesday despite playing 21 Tests for the country, and featuring as recently as last year.
He joins a mass exodus from the premiership Roosters side with teammates Angus Crichton (rugby union), Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby union), Connor Watson (Dragons) and Daly Cherry-Evans (Hull FC) also leaving the eastern suburbs club.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I know the time is right for me to finish playing,” Tupou said via a club statement.
“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.”
Four-time premiership coach Trent Robinson was full of praise for the towering winger.
“Toops revolutionised the aerial game at the Sydney Roosters and became the greatest high-ball specialist of all time,” Robinson said.
“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.”
