TIGERS YOUNG GUN’S DECISION
Wests Tigers young gun Junior Tupou is reportedly being chased by two NRL rivals for 2025 and beyond.
The Daily Telegraph reported Tupou is in the sights of the Raiders and the Roosters when his contract expires in November 2024.
The 21-year-old cemented his spot in the Tigers team last season scoring six tries in 22 games to take his career tally to eight from 26 matches since his debut in 2022.
The flying winger, who can also play in the centres led the Tigers in linebreaks and tackle busts in 2023 and has cemented his place in the backline ahead of the 2024 season.
He also debuted for Tonga in 2023, with one Test to his namer to date.
Tupou was originally raised in Canberra and made the switch to the Tigers ahead of his first-grade debut.
The latest developments came after The Telegraph reported in early November that Tupou was offered a two-year contract extension by the Tigers.
However a deal is yet to be signed with Tupou’s future beyond 2024 now up in the air and the Tigers fighting two clubs for his signature.
Tigers skipper Api Koroisau was full of praise for Tupou earlier this season and he clearly has the support of the playing group.
“He’s a freak. Just watching his carries on the way back, (I’m) so proud of him,” Koroisau said.
“To be that young too, he’s really composed, great under the high ball and just works his backside off for this team. Just to see him get off started like that, it really is a pleasure.”
Tupou also drew praise from Eels halfback Mitchell Moses showing he is rated highly by his peers.
“He put us under the pump, that Junior Tupou,” Moses said.
“For a young kid, I thought, how he was carrying the ball, he was unbelievable for them, and he tore us to shreds really, and he hurt us. So, it’s a credit to him.”