NRL contract news: Sitili Tupouniua signs long-term extension with Sydney Roosters

Liam O'Loughlin

NRL contract news: Sitili Tupouniua signs long-term extension with Sydney Roosters image

Sitili Tupouniua has joined a growing list of players to re-commit to the Sydney Roosters, signing a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2027.

After an interrupted run with injury over the past two years, which saw the back-rower limited to just eight appearances last season, the 26-year-old has been shown an enormous amount of faith by the Tricolours.

Tupouniua had established himself as the club's first-choice edge forward prior to an ACL injury in 2022, before succumbing to a neck injury two months after his return, ruling him out for the back-end of 2023.

The three-time Tongan international joins second-row counterparts Nat Butcher and Siua Wong in signing fresh contracts, while the club have also retained Connor Watson and Billy Smith in recent weeks.

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Sitili Tupouniua re-signs with Sydney Roosters until 2027

In a statement released on Thursday morning, Tupouniua claimed he looked forward to giving back to the Chooks in the coming years after cementing himself as an NRL star since arriving as a teenage prospect. 

“This club has become a second family to me so I’m really happy to continue my journey with the Roosters,” he said.

“I’m committed to giving my all for this club and I’m excited to contribute to the team’s success in the coming years."

After growing up in New Zealand, Tupouniua would move over to Sydney and straight into the Roosters system, claiming premiership glory at both SG Ball and U20s level, before debuting in the top grade in 2018.

Trent Robinson praised the talented forward and believes he will continue to be an asset for the club. 

“Sitili is a genuinely good person and I’ve loved watching his development over the years,” he said. 

“His dedication and commitment to improvement make him a key component of our future plans so it’s exciting that he will continue to be a part of the Roosters family."

Sitili Tupouniua 2023 NRL stats

Games 8
Tries 1
Avg. Run Metres 65m
Avg. Tackles 25
Tackle Efficiency 93%

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.