Two rival clubs are pursuing the winger for the Tigers.
According to reports, the Wests Tigers will face significant competition to keep young talent Junior Tupou.
The youthful outside back, who was among the Tigers’ most impressive during a disappointing 2023 season, will be on the team through 2024 before being released from the joint venture.
Although it’s understood that the Tigers have extended an offer to Tupou and are eager to keep him, a News Corp article claims that the Canberra Raiders and Sydney Roosters are also interested in signing him.
Tupou may then have to make a significant choice at teams that have experienced greater success recently than the Tigers.
Tupou may then have to make a significant choice at teams that have experienced greater success recently than the Tigers.
Having said that, Tupou’s choice might also have been influenced by Concord’s guaranteed first-grade position for him, as opposed to the Roosters or Raiders, who have an abundance of outside backs, where he would have to battle to make the starting lineup.
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, the Roosters will lose Joseph Suaalii, Daniel Tupou, and possibly Joseph Manu, who is being actively pursued by several rival teams, including the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Conversely, the Raiders will probably bid adieu to Jordan Rapana at the conclusion of the 2024 season, but they have a number of young players rising through the ranks who may yet be able to claim the open spot. But their backline depth is diminished by the instant transfer of Harley Smith-Shields to the Gold Coast Titans.
Given their respective circumstances, Tupou’s versatility as a wing or center has apparently led the two rivals to pursue his signature. Tupou scored six tries in 22 games in 2023 after making his NRL debut in 2022 and participating in four games.
Tupou, who made his Tonga debut in 2023, led the Tigers in tackle busts and line breaks in 2023. Coach Benji Marshall is known to be a fan of Tupou’s.
It is believed that the Tigers have offered Tupou a two-year contract extension, but it has not yet been signed.
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Junior Tupou, a young player for the Wests Tigers who will be off-contract at the end of the next season, has reportedly drawn interest from a few NRL teams.
Before the start of 2023, the 21-year-old was largely unknown, but he solidified his place in the Tigers lineup the previous season by playing in 22 of the team’s games. He led the team in tackle busts and line breaks thanks to his outstanding performances in these contests.
Tupou, who can play in both the centers and on the wings, was one of the team’s biggest assets during the underwhelming 2023 season.
Tupou, who was born and raised in Canberra, joined the Tigers prior to making his first-grade debut, and his youth fits well with the team’s recent philosophy—the Tigers have made it clear that they want to establish themselves as a development club.
The Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders are reportedly interested in signing the 21-year-old, according to News Corp.
The startling rumors follow the same publication’s early November disclosure that Tupou was extended for a further two years on his contract to stay with the Wests Tigers. On these discussions, there hasn’t been any confirmation or news as of yet.
“He is strange. In an earlier statement this season, club captain Apisai Koroisau said of the 21-year-old, “Just watching his carries on the way back, (I’m) so proud of him.”
“Considering his age, he exhibits remarkable composure, excels in low-possession play, and tirelessly contributes to the team.” It’s really nice to watch him get off to such a good start.”
Rivals like Mitchell Moses of the Parramatta Eels have also paid him compliments.
“He is strange. In an earlier statement this season, club captain Apisai Koroisau said of the 21-year-old, “Just watching his carries on the way back, (I’m) so proud of him.”
“Considering his age, he exhibits remarkable composure, excels in low-possession play, and tirelessly contributes to the team.” It’s really nice to watch him get off to such a good start.”
Rivals like Mitchell Moses of the Parramatta Eels have also paid him compliments.
