Rugby League’s Off-Contract Winger Faces Uncertain Future
As the 2025 season approaches, the future of one of the NRL’s highest-profile off-contract wingers, Daniel Tupou, has been a topic of intense speculation. Tupou, a veteran player at age 32, has piqued the interest of several Super League clubs, with reports earlier this month suggesting that the Catalans Dragons had him on a three-man shortlist to replace the expected departures of Tom Davies and Tom Johnstone.
The three-man shortlist included Tupou, fellow NRL flyer Dallin Watene Zelesniak, and Leeds Rhinos’ long-serving player Ash Handley. While head coach Rohan Smith has silenced the links to Handley, the possibility of Tupou making a Super League move remains on the table.
“We’ve definitely had some discussions,” Robinson said. “He’s one of ours is ‘Toops’ so we’re making sure we guide him in the right way, whether it’s here or overseas. I think that will get worked out in the next couple of weeks.”
The depth and quality of the Sydney Roosters’ backline, which includes three of the four fullbacks who started the 2021 World Cup semi-finals, have led many to believe that Tupou’s time with the club may be coming to an end. The Roosters’ backline boasts the likes of James Tedesco, Joey Manu, and Joseph Suaali’i, as well as England international Dom Young, making Tupou the perceived “weak link” in one of the NRL’s strongest backlines.
With Tupou set to turn 34 next season, it was widely expected that he would depart the Roosters. Head coach Trent Robinson has now confirmed that “discussions” have been held regarding Tupou’s future, acknowledging that an “overseas move” is still a possibility.
This statement suggests that while the Roosters may be open to retaining Tupou, the option of a Super League move remains on the table. St Helens had previously been mentioned as a potential destination for Tupou, with veteran Tommy Makinson set to join the Catalans Dragons at the end of the season.
As the rugby league community eagerly awaits the resolution of Tupou’s future, the next few weeks are sure to bring further clarity on where the experienced winger will ply his trade in 2025 and beyond.
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