The Sydney Roosters’ premiership charge has suffered a major setback after veteran winger Daniel Tupou dislocated his shoulder in the Round 21 clash against the Newcastle Knights. The injury, sustained in the 49th minute, is expected to sideline him for at least five weeks, raising doubts about his bid to become the club’s all-time games record holder.
Tupou’s SetbackAt 35 years old, Tupou is already the Roosters’ all-time leading try-scorer and a three-time premiership winner. He sits just eight games short of surpassing Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ record of 310 appearances. While Tupou has opted against surgery, choosing rehabilitation instead, the timeline means he may not return until the finals, jeopardizing his chance to reach the milestone this season.
Squad AdjustmentsCoach Trent Robinson was forced into reshuffling his backline immediately after the injury. Hugo Savala shifted into the centres, while Billy Smith moved to the wing. Depth options such as Tommy Talau and Cody Ramsey are now in contention to fill the void in upcoming rounds.
Wider Injury ConcernsThe Roosters are already managing the absence of Lindsay Collins, who is sidelined for six weeks due to concussion protocols. These setbacks will test the club’s depth as they push for the minor premiership.
Current PositionDespite the injuries, the Roosters remain in strong form:Ladder Standing: Second place, one win behind Penrith.Form: Riding a five-game winning streak.Finals Outlook: Tupou’s potential return in September could provide a timely boost, but his absence will challenge the squad’s resilience.
What’s NextThe Roosters face a crucial run of fixtures against the Cowboys, Bulldogs, Panthers, Tigers, Dolphins, and Rabbitohs. Each match will be vital in their bid to secure the minor premiership and build momentum heading into the finals.