Daniel Tupou targets fourth Roosters premiership

Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou is aiming to add a fourth premiership to his record when the club faces Newcastle in Sunday’s NRL grand final. A victory would make the 35-year-old the first Roosters player since the 1940s to win four premierships with the club. Tupou has already appeared in all three of the Roosters’ grand-final victories under coach Trent Robinson.

Tupou first made his mark in a grand final in 2013, when he scored a spectacular try against Manly during only his second season in first grade. He also played important roles in the Roosters’ back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. In the 2018 victory over Melbourne, he scored the opening try and made the second-highest number of metres among Roosters players.

During the 2019 win over Canberra, he ran for 185 metres from 17 carries and created the final try for James Tedesco. Tupou is the Roosters’ highest-ever tryscorer and is close to becoming the club’s most capped player. He said his approach to grand finals was based on preparation, composure and remaining focused on the moment.

The Roosters have several experienced players, including Victor Radley and Tedesco, but 15 of the 22 players named for the decider have not played in a grand final, according to the report. Tupou said the younger players should enjoy the week and atmosphere while staying consistent with the work completed during the season. His form remains an important part of the Roosters’ hopes against the Knights.

The match gives Tupou an opportunity to strengthen his standing at the club, but the supplied material does not indicate whether he will retire or continue playing after the final.