Four-time Roosters premiership winner and Tonga's leading try-scorer Daniel Tupou has announced his retirement from professional rugby league.
The highly decorated winger made the call only days after his side took out the 2026 decider, defeating Newcastle in a tough contest, won by the Roosters 19-18.
His first premiership win came in his first full season in the NRL in 2013, playing a key role by scoring his team's opening try in the victory over Manly, with further titles to come in 2018 and 2019.
His announcement brings to a close a special career that saw him play 307 games - all for the Roosters - under coach Trent Robinson.
“When you look at what Daniel Tupou has achieved over 15 seasons, he will stand as one of the greats,” Robinson said.
“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."
Daniel Tupou honoured in 300-game ceremony
Rooster no.1130, Tupou made his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round 24 of the 2012 season going on to establish himself as a great for the club across 15 seasons.
His 300th game milestone was special not only for his club and the NRL, but for the Kingdom of Tonga as well - a country he has proudly represented on the international stage.
Tonga's Princess Latufuipeka Tukuʻaho and the country's Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua were in attendance to celebrate him scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the Round 19 win over the Eels.
Tupou also represented at the highest level with New South Wales for State of Origin level and also played Tests for Australia.
Faith and family have always been important factors for Tupou who will now be able to devote more time to both.
“My family has been there with me through everything," Tupou said.
"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."
Daniel Tupou celebrates 300 games
As well as retiring as a four-time premiership winner, he also has three World Club Challenge wins to his name and leaves a further legacy at the club as their all-time leading try-scorer with 198 and the second most-capped player in the club’s history.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I know the time is right for me to finish playing,” Tupou said.
"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.
“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."
