If Daniel Tupou retires at the end of the year, he worries about spending his free time mishitting golf balls, which is why the Roosters veteran is eager to sign on for 2025 to provide the club with much-needed stability out wide.
Tupou, 33, was expected to retire this year or possibly play overseas. However, with Joseph Manu and Joseph-Daniel Tupou moving to rugby, and veterans Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves departing, the Roosters want him to continue for another 12 months.
Although a deal hasn’t been finalized, Tupou is optimistic it will be soon, as the club’s leading try-scorer isn’t ready to retire just yet.
“I’m still in the middle of it getting sorted, so I’ll leave it with my manager and hopefully it’s sorted soon,” he said.
“Of course, I want to continue, but we’ll see what happens. My family is my motivation. I don’t have a choice; I just have to keep showing up for training and playing, making the most of every opportunity. If I’m not playing footy, I’ll probably be on the golf course, but don’t expect much since I’m pretty bad. It’s a work in progress.”
Tupou has played alongside many different centers over the years and will add another to the list after Junior Pauga was sent off and accepted a four-game ban for a reckless high tackle on Connor Tracey on Saturday night.
The Roosters are already without Suaalii, suspended for a high shot on Reece Walsh in Origin, but Tupou and his teammates have rallied around Pauga for the tackle that went wrong.
“It was a tough moment, and he was a bit rattled after the game, but the boys came around and supported him well, so he’s all right today,” Tupou said.
“It’s really unfortunate, but it is what it is. I didn’t need to say much to him. I just had to comfort him and show that we’re there for him.”
Tupou will look to extend his impressive record against the Tigers on Sunday night as the club prepares to celebrate Trent Robinson’s 300th match in charge.
Robinson, who took over in 2013, has guided the team to three premierships, including one in his first season when Tupou scored a stunning try off a kick in the grand final.
“He hasn’t changed much,” the winger said. “He’s been a great mentor, coach, and friend off the field. It’s a credit to him for what he’s done for the club and me over the years. It’s an honor to be part of his milestone. He makes you feel safe and gives you all the details on how to perform every week. He’s like a father figure you don’t want to disappoint.”
