By JOSIAH ALCHIN
FOUR-time premiership winner Daniel Tupou has retired at the age of 35, just days after Sydney Roosters’ grand final success.
And hot on the heels of the Tonga international’s decision, Samoan star Spencer Leniu was confirmed to be leaving the club.
Winger Tupou is the Tricolours’ top tryscorer with 198 and has the second most appearances.
The departure of Leniu, meanwhile, was confirmed at the club’s annual presentation dinner. He is reported to be joining Parramatta.
Speaking about his decision to hang up the boots, Tupou said: “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.
“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.
“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 team-mates 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.”
