About the only two things Sydney Roosters fans can be happy with is knowing one of their most loyal servants, Daniel Tupou, broke the club record for most tries, and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves dodged a suspension to remain a chance of reaching 300 games in the final round.
The Roosters’ season is all but done following their 32-10 thumping against Brisbane on Thursday night.
Tupou scored his 140th try midway through the second half to take his club tally to 140 tries, moving one ahead of club legend Anthony Minichiello.
The 32-year-old Tupou thought he had set a new mark a week earlier against the Titans, and was even lifted on to the shoulders of his teammates to celebrate, only for the bunker to deny him because of an obstruction.
Minichiello made a point of travelling to the Gold Coast, then again to the Gabba, in the hope Tupou would set the new mark in his presence.
Had Tupou failed to get across the line against Brisbane, Minichiello was grateful the Roosters remaining five games were all in Sydney, which meant there would be no need to pay for a flight interstate to witness history.
Daniel Tupou (centre) in the sheds with Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu after breaking the Roosters’ try-scoring record.Credit: Instagram
“There are no mixed emotions for me, we didn’t get the result, but it was nice for him to break the record, and I’m glad I was there to see it,” Minichiello said on Friday. “It worked out perfectly because I was on the Gold Coast last week with a sponsors’ event, then I flew back to Brisbane for a Chairman’s Club trip.
“Records are meant to be broken. And ‘Toops’ has been a wonderful ambassador for our game, a great player for the Roosters for such a long time, and just a true gentleman. Over years could have gone elsewhere for more money, but he stayed because he’s loyal and knows it’s a good strong club.
“I went into the sheds and gave him a hug, we had a chat, and it was a nice moment. They were all down because of the performance, and they basically knew it may have been their last chance of salvaging a top-eight spot.”
Coach Trent Robinson said he had seen plenty of first-generation Polynesian players enter the NRL, enjoy half a dozen solid years and move on.
Daniel Tupou dives over for his 140th try for the Roosters on Thursday night.Credit: NRL Photos
“But I feel like he’s one of the best Polynesian players to play the game because of his consistency and longevity; the guy is an absolute credit to his community and the Roosters, and for us he’s one of the best wingers of all time,” Robinson said.
Meanwhile, Waerea-Hargreaves was charged for a high shot on Payne Haas, but can escape with a $3000 fine with an early plea.
Should he take the plea, Waerea-Hargreaves will remain on track to post 300 games in the final round against bitter rivals Souths. Minichiello welcomed Waerea-Hargreaves joining the 300 club, which includes himself (304 games), and former Roosters Mitchell Aubusson (310) and Luke Ricketson (302). No other NRL club has four 300-gamers. Waerea-Hargreaves played six games for Manly before becoming a mainstay at the Tricolours.
Next Thursday night’s clash against Manly at the SCG will double as a celebration for the club’s 2013 premiership side, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to attend, but Mitchell Pearce and Shaun Kenny-Dowall unable to make it because of their Super League commitments.
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