NRL 2026, Roosters, Daniel Tupou, Billy Slater, try-scoring record, retirement

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Wed 29 Apr 2026, 01:01 PM

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou is determined to savour his limited time remaining in the NRL as he prepares to reach a new tryscoring milestone as soon as this week.

The 34-year-old needs just one four-pointer to take his career tally to 190 and draw level with Billy Slater in third spot on the list of all-time tryscorers.

Tupou has already scored six tries in seven games this year and could match, or surpass, Slater in Saturday night's clash with the Broncos at Allianz Stadium.

After 15 years in the NRL, the veteran recognises he is approaching the end of his career and is determined to soak up every experience before hanging up the boots.

Two for Toops

"It's crazy to be [so close to Slater]," Tupou said. "I could have got it last week if I didn't drop the ball, but it's crazy to be here.

"I'm being present and trying to enjoy everything that comes so it's pretty special to be in this position.

"Fifteen years is a long time, I'm blessed that I'm still playing and I've been able to use this gift on the big stage with the boys. It's truly an honour so I'm taking every moment as it comes."

Round 9 - Round 9 - Saturday 2 May

9:35 am

Roosters

Broncos

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

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Tupou burst on to the scene as a lanky 21-year-old back in 2012, making his debut in Round 24 before scoring a hat-trick in his second match in the top flight.

After three games in his rookie campaign, the winger entered the 2013 pre-season in a battle for a starting spot with Michael Oldfield.

Tupou eventually won the race and quickly made the No.2 jumper his own. The youngster finished the year with 14 tries, including a crucial four-pointer in a grand final victory over the Sea Eagles.

Air Tupou in full flight

The premiership marked a stunning start to Trent Robinson's coaching reign and the mentor has watched Tupou develop into a senior voice in the team throughout the past decade.

"I had no idea this is what he'd become," Robinson said. "Toops was fighting it out with another winger [Oldfield] at that stage, we had Roger Tuivasa-Sheck coming on and you could sort of see him coming.

"There were some attributes there but to be one of the best wingers in the game, to be as consistent as he is and see the game clearly for what a winger's role is in the modern game [I couldn't have predicted].

"We love Toops, it's been a security blanket having him on the left there for all that time and he's been a pleasure to coach."

Since making his debut in 2012, Tupou has scored 189 tries, won three premierships and represented NSW, Australia and Tonga. Should he remain healthy, he will play his 300th first grade game in Round 13.

Daniel Tupou Try

One of the game's most respected figures, Tupou has largely stayed out of the spotlight throughout a decorated 15-year career.

That hasn't stopped the softly-spoken star from developing into a leader within the Roosters squad and around the game, particularly for young Polynesian players.

"He's a legend of the game," Roosters and Tongan teammate Rob Toia said. "He's like a big brother, I can't say enough about him.

First Take: Roosters v Broncos

"He's one of the most genuine and humble guys you'll ever meet. He's so down to earth and he'll take his time to talk to you.

"It's incredible how professional he is, what he's been through and what he continues to do in this game. For him to still be the person he is, is incredible."

While Tupou's immediate focus is on helping the Roosters secure a fourth-straight victory when they host Brisbane on Saturday night, he has also spent time pondering the future.

Off-contract at the end of the year, the 34-year-old is weighing up whether to play on or hang up the boots. Another season at the Roosters is an option, as is the chance to pursue opportunities overseas.