Four-time Premiership winner Daniel Tupou announces his retirement

Sydney Roosters great Daniel Tupou has today announced his retirement from professional rugby league, bringing to a close one of the most decorated careers in the Club’s proud history.

A one-club player, four-time Premiership winner, the Club’s greatest-ever try-scorer and the second most-capped player in Sydney Roosters history, Tupou retires having established a legacy among the all-time greats to have worn the Tricolours.

Rooster no.1130, Tupou made his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round 24 of the 2012 season and went on to play 307 games for the Club across 15 seasons.

Success came early for the towering winger. In his first full season in the NRL, Tupou played a key role in the Roosters’ 2013 Premiership, scoring the side’s opening try in the Grand Final victory over Manly.

He would go on to become an integral member of the Roosters’ Premiership-winning teams of 2018 and 2019 before adding a fourth title in 2026, placing him among the most decorated players to have represented the Club.

He finishes his career with 198 tries in 307 appearances, a record that stands as a testament to his remarkable consistency across more than a decade at the highest level.

Tupou also joined an exclusive group in 2026 when he became just the 57th player in NRL history to reach 300 first grade games.

His success extended beyond the NRL Premiership, with Tupou featuring in the Roosters’ World Club Challenge triumphs in 2014, 2019 and 2020.

Tupou said he felt blessed to have spent his entire NRL career with the Roosters.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I know the time is right for me to finish playing. 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,” said Tupou.

“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.

“My faith has always been a really important part of who I am, and I’m grateful to God for the opportunities I’ve been given, the people He has placed in my life and for allowing me to play the game I love for as long as I have.

“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.

“The Premierships are obviously very special, but when I look back, it’s the people and all the memories we’ve shared together that I’ll probably treasure the most. I’ve made friendships here that will last a lifetime.

“I’m really grateful to all the coaches and staff who have helped me throughout my career, and to all of my teammates, past and present.

“I want to thank our Chairman, Nick Politis, for everything he has done for me over the years. The love and care Nick has for his players, and the way he makes their families feel part of the Roosters, is something that makes this Club very special. I’ll always be grateful for the support he has shown me throughout my career.

“I especially want to thank Trent Robinson. He’s been my coach for almost my entire career and has had a huge influence on the player and the person I’ve become. He believed in me from the beginning, helped bring me out of my shell and has always challenged me to keep growing, not just as a footballer but as a man.

“We’ve shared some pretty special moments together over the years and I feel very blessed to have had him as my coach. I’ve got so much respect for Robbo and I’ll always be very grateful for everything he’s done for me.

“My family has been there with me through everything. My parents, Michael and Ofa, made so many sacrifices for me and gave me the opportunity to chase this dream, and I’ll always be grateful to them.

“My wife Kasilita has been by my side since the beginning of this journey and has supported me through all the highs and lows that come with playing footy. And now to have our son Michael there and to be able to share the end of my career with him has made it even more special. I hope that one day, when he’s old enough to understand it all, he’ll be proud of what his dad was able to achieve.

“And to our Members and supporters, thank you for the way you’ve supported me from the very beginning. I’ve always been proud to represent this Club and wear the Roosters jersey.

“I’ve been very blessed to live the career that I have. I’ll always be a Rooster, and I’ll always be grateful for everything this game and this Club have given me,” he added.

Sydney Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson said Tupou’s place in the history of the Club was unquestionable.

“When you look at what Daniel Tupou has achieved over 15 seasons, he will stand as one of the greats,” said Robinson.

“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. 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.

“To coach someone for virtually his entire career is very special. I’ve watched Toops 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 history of our Club.

“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,” he added.

In addition to his achievements with the Roosters, Tupou represented New South Wales at State of Origin level and played international rugby league for both Australia and Tonga.

He retires after 307 NRL games as a four-time Premiership winner, three-time World Club Challenge winner, the Sydney Roosters’ all-time leading try-scorer and the second most-capped player in the Club’s history.

Tupou’s longevity was matched by his remarkable ability to find the try line.

In 2023, he surpassed Club legend Anthony Minichiello to become the greatest try-scorer in Sydney Roosters history, before becoming the first player to score 150 tries for the Club the following season.