Sydney Roosters legend Daniel Tupou has called time on his glittering career, three days after winning his fourth premiership with the club.
Tupou made the call on Wednesday, bringing an end to one of the greatest careers in club history.
He bows out after 307 games and a club-record 198 tries.
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“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I know the time is right for me to finish playing. It’s hard to put into words what the Roosters have meant to me because this club has been such a big part of my life,” said Tupou.
“I feel incredibly blessed. I came here as a young kid just hoping for an opportunity and I could never have imagined the journey that would follow or everything I would be fortunate enough to experience along the way.
“My faith has always been a really important part of who I am, and I’m grateful to God for the opportunities I’ve been given, the people He has placed in my life and for allowing me to play the game I love for as long as I have.
“To have played my whole NRL career at one club means a lot to me. The Roosters gave me my opportunity and this has become my home. To play more than 300 games, win four premierships and share those moments with so many great teammates is something I’ll always be proud of.
“The premierships are obviously very special, but when I look back, it’s the people and all the memories we’ve shared together that I’ll probably treasure the most. I’ve made friendships here that will last a lifetime.
“I’m really grateful to all the coaches and staff who have helped me throughout my career, and to all of my teammates, past and present.”
Tupou also paid special tribute to coach Trent Robinson.
“He’s been my coach for almost my entire career and has had a huge influence on the player and the person I’ve become. He believed in me from the beginning, helped bring me out of my shell and has always challenged me to keep growing, not just as a footballer but as a man,” he said.
“We’ve shared some pretty special moments together over the years and I feel very blessed to have had him as my coach. I’ve got so much respect for Robbo and I’ll always be very grateful for everything he’s done for me.”
More to come …
