Sydney Roosters wingman Daniel Tupou would like to thank his parents.
He knows it’s their shared DNA that helped him become 196cm tall – one of the reasons he is back in the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues side for a third time.
After four games in the 2014 and 2015 Origin series, Tupou made his second appearance as a True Blue in 2020 playing all three games and scoring two tries.
Now after being overlooked in 2021, he is back in coach Brad Fittler’s 2022 side.
“I never get down if I didn’t make the squad; I’m always happy for the boys that do each year,” Tupou told nswrl.com.au.
“It’s such a great opportunity to represent your state, your family and your club.
“So, I never dwell on whether I make it or not – because someone else gets to share in those feelings that I’ve already been lucky enough to have.
“But reconnecting here again is a wonderful thing – I can’t deny that.
“And I get to reconnect with some of my Tongan friends in Kotoni Staggs and Friz (Tyson Frizell).”
For that he’d like to thank a few people – his parents as well as Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
“For sure I’d like to thank mum and dad for those (tall) genes, but also for their faith and support of me,” he said.
“The Roosters and coach Robbo also need some thanks. I want to repay them all and this is one way I can; by being in this NSW team.”
The 30-year-old and three-time NRL premiership winner swung back into Fittler’s radar once he saw the likely wingers Queensland would use – Storm’s Xavier Coates (194cm) and Bronco Selwyn Cobb (190cm).
“It was never my intention to say that I should be here because of my height,” Tupou said.
“It is truly a blessing.
“I just kept focussed on playing club footy, but Freddy saw something in me and wanted me to be a part of this side again.
“I’m just grateful to be among all these gifted and talented players… so happy in this moment.”
His Roosters form so far this year - eight tries from 11 games – would bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Then there’s the 36 tackle-busts and 11 line-breaks to throw into the mix, proving Tupou is a handful for any defensive line.
Playing down the NSW right edge, Tupou said he would be studying Queensland’s entire left side thoroughly - not just his opposition winger.
“I look at that whole side facing me – their middle and edge players. I want to see how they are likely to execute plays and how we can overcome those,” he said.
