Daniel Tupou’s Try Scoring Record Set to Stand for Decades
Roosters fullback James Tedesco has expressed his belief that Daniel Tupou’s recently broken the try scoring record at the Sydney City Roosters and believes it will stand for many years to come. The achievement comes as a much-needed boost for the Roosters, who are striving to keep their slim chances of making the finals alive.
After a premature celebration in Round 21 when teammates lifted Tupou, mistakenly thinking he had surpassed Anthony Minichiello as the club’s top try scorer. However the Mate Ma’a Tonga winger officially claimed the record during the recent match against the Broncos at The Gabba.
With 140 tries for the Roosters, Tupou now holds the title of the club’s greatest try scorer, surpassing Minichiello’s previous record of 139 tries in 302 matches from 2004 to 2014. The following players on the club’s try scoring list are Shaun Kenny-Dowall (121), Bill Mullins (104), Dave Brown (93), and Brad Fittler (91).
Tupou’s feat is likely to remain untouched for a long time, as no current squad member seems poised to challenge his record. The closest to him is James Tedesco, with 68 tries in 130 matches, followed by Joey Manu with 56 tries in 153 matches.
Tedesco heaped praise on Tupou, describing him as the ultimate team-mate and gentleman who never complains, always giving his best on and off the field. He believes Tupou’s record-breaking moment is a historic one, as he has consistently performed on major stages and brought pride to his teammates and family.
The winger’s recent re-signing with the Roosters for another year suggests he will continue to add to his try tally, potentially cementing his record for a long time, just like Bill Mullins, whose last match for the club was in 1978.
Tedesco highlighted that only a few wingers have achieved such a remarkable record while excelling in representative games like State of Origin and internationally for Mate Ma’a Tonga, in addition to contributing significantly to their club’s success.
Anthony Minichiello, the former record-holder, was present in Brisbane to congratulate Tupou on breaking his record, and the two players share a close relationship. Minichiello played a pivotal role in mentoring Tupou when he joined the Roosters from Parramatta in 2012.
Tupou expressed his gratitude towards Minichiello, considering him a role model and leader who made his transition into grade football more comfortable. He holds Minichiello in high regard and feels honoured to take over the record from someone he admires so much.
