NRL 2024: Daniel Tupou works on new deal with Roosters as coach Trent Robinson prepares to bring up major milestone

The Roosters are going to lose a stack of talent in 2025, but fans can rejoice with one of their greatest servants on the verge of signing a new deal.

The Roosters will lose plenty of experience next year, but they look set to hold on to Daniel Tupou. Picture: Todd Martyn-Jones

If Daniel Tupou retires at the end of the year, he worries that he’ll likely spend his spare time shanking balls on the golf course, which is why the Roosters veteran is keen to sign on for 2025 to provide the club with some much-needed stability out wide.

Tupou, 33, was expected to retire at the end of the year or possibly play on overseas, but with Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii heading to rugby, and with veterans Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves leaving the club, the Roosters are keen for him to play on for another 12 months.

A deal hasn’t been struck yet, but Tupou is confident something will be sorted, with the club’s leading try-scorer not ready to call it quits just yet.

Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou is closing in on a contract extension with the club. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“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.

“For sure (I want to continue) but we’ll see what happens.

“Family (is why I want to keep going). They are my why.

“I don’t have a choice, I guess. I’ve just got to keep turning up to training and playing and make the most of every opportunity I get.

“(If I’m not playing footy) then I’m probably on the golf course, but don’t get your hopes up because I’m pretty trash. It’s a work in progress.”

Tupou has had plenty of different centres play alongside him over the years, and he’ll add another one 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 after he was suspended for a high shot on Reece Walsh in Origin, with Tupou and his teammates rallying around Pauga for a tackle that went horribly wrong.

Junior Pauga will miss the next four games after he was sent off for a high shot. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

“It was a tough moment and he was a bit rattled after the game, but the boys came around and supported him really well so he’s all right today,” he said.

“It’s really unfortunate, but it is what it is.

“I didn’t need to say too much (to him). I just had to comfort him and be supportive and show that we’re there for him to make sure he’s all right.”

Tupou will look to extend his incredible record against the Tigers on Sunday night, with the club preparing to celebrate Trent Robinson’s 300th match in charge.

Tupou and Trent Robinson have won three titles together. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrecht

Robinson took over in 2013 and has guided them 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 to me, a great coach and a friend off the field.

“It’s a credit to him and what he’s done for the club and me over the years. It’s an honour to be part of his milestone.

“He makes you feel safe and he has to give you all the details on how to perform on the field every week.

“He’s one of those father figures who you don’t want to disappoint.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Daniel Tupou works on new deal with Roosters as coach Trent Robinson prepares to bring up major milestone