“He’s paved the way for the Polynesian footy players”: Daniel Tupou set to join NRL’s 300-game club

“He’s paved the way for the Polynesian footy players and playing with him has been one of the best privileges of my career.”

Those were the words of Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith as he paid tribute to teammate Daniel Tupou, who is set to become the latest Tongan rugby league star to reach the NRL’s exclusive 300-game club.

Just two weeks after North Queensland Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo became the second Tongan player to reach the milestone, Tupou is preparing to join him when the Roosters take on the Parramatta Eels this Saturday night at Allianz Stadium, pending a final fitness test.

The 35-year-old winger has been waiting eight weeks for his moment, after being left stranded on 299 games following a calf injury suffered during Magic Round in May.

Now in his 15th NRL season, Tupou has spent his entire career with the Roosters, becoming the club’s all-time leading tryscorer while building a reputation as one of the most consistent and respected wingers in the competition.

For Smith, Tupou’s 300-game achievement is made even more special by the way he has done it.

“For someone play 300 games in the NRL is a pretty crazy achievement but to do it at one club and to do it the way Toops has… you can’t say enough words about it,” Smith said.

“You don’t get to play 300 games unless you’re a really hard-working, consistent human being.”

Smith also highlighted the wider impact Tupou has had on Pacific players coming through the game.

“He’s paved the way for the Polynesian footy players and playing with him has been one of the best privileges of my career,” he said.

Tupou’s milestone follows another historic moment for Tongan rugby league.

Two weeks ago, Jason Taumalolo celebrated his 300th NRL game as the Cowboys defeated the Penrith Panthers 26-12, becoming only the second Tongan player to achieve the feat.

The occasion was marked by the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho and Tongan Prime Minister and Tonga Rugby League President Lord Fakafanua, who praised Taumalolo’s contribution both on and off the field.

“Jason Taumalolo’s 300-game milestone is more than a personal achievement. It’s a proud moment for the Kingdom of Tonga.”

Lord Fakafanua also credited Taumalolo’s decision to represent Tonga in 2017 as a defining moment that inspired a generation of Pacific players to proudly wear their heritage and helped transform Tonga into an international rugby league powerhouse.

Despite the significance of the milestone, Taumalolo remained focused on the job.

“I tried to take tonight as another game. At the end of the day I gotta come out here and do my job.”

With Taumalolo and Tupou reaching 300 games within weeks of each other, it is a powerful celebration of Tongan excellence, longevity and influence in rugby league.

Their journeys represent more than individual achievements. They are a reminder of the pathways created for Pacific players and the generations now following in their footsteps, proudly carrying their heritage onto the biggest stage.