Approaching the conclusion of his tenure with the Sydney Roosters, seasoned winger Daniel Tupou is rumored to be considering a potential switch to another club.A mainstay in the Roosters’ backline since his debut in Round 24, 2012, Tupou stands on the brink of a milestone, with just two games shy of reaching 250 first-grade appearances for the club. Renowned for his pivotal role in securing three premierships for the team in 2013, 2018, and 2019, Tupou’s impact extends beyond club success to the representative arena, where he has represented Tonga in 18 Tests and featured prominently for the NSW Blues, notably in the 2022 State of Origin series.
As Tupou navigates the twilight of his career and the Roosters pivot towards nurturing younger talents like Billy Smith, the veteran winger finds himself at a contractual crossroads, with his current agreement set to expire at the culmination of the 2024 season.
Amidst speculation surrounding his future at the Roosters, reports from French outlet L’Independant have surfaced, suggesting interest from Super League side Catalan Dragons in securing Tupou’s services for the upcoming season.
While definitive decisions regarding Tupou’s tenure remain undisclosed, there have been widespread suggestions that he may opt to retire alongside teammates Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves at the conclusion of the current season.
Reports from The Sydney Morning Herald last week indicated that the 32-year-old is deliberating over his potential involvement in the sport for the following year.
Reflecting on his commitment to the Roosters, Tupou expressed his deep affection for the club and its members last year when extending his contract, underscoring his dedication to the team’s ongoing success.
The Roosters have already confirmed four departures for the forthcoming season, while 11 players find themselves in a similar contractual limbo beyond the current campaign. Among the notable names are Angus Crichton, Joseph Suaalii, Zach Dockar-Clay, Michael Jennings, Lewis Murphy, Ethan Roberts, Blake Steep, and Alex Young.