One of the hottest young prospects in the NRL now finds himself subject to being chased by two rival clubs, just a month after putting in an impressive performance for Tonga against England.
The Tongan tour of England certainly didn’t go as Kristian Woolf and the Tongans envisaged, and perhaps for many English fans it was less of a challenge than expected.
Despite that Woolf was able to blood in plenty of young players with one of those being winger Junior Tupou, who now finds himself being chased by two NRL rivals per reports.
Tupou, aged 21, only played in the second test in which Tonga lost 14-4 however that game marked his debut on the international scene and is surely the first of many to come.
Now back home down under the Wests Tigers winger is being chased by both Canberra Raiders and Sydney Roosters, per the Daily Telegraph.
Tupou established himself into the Tigers team in 2023 and managed to register six tries across 22 games for the team who slipped to the Wooden Spoon.
His finishing ability paired with his pace is certainly an impressive set of attributes which mean that it is no surprise that he’s subject to a pursuit from other teams.
He’s tied down to the Tigers for 2024 however both sides are intent on his signature for 2025, meaning he’ll have another year of development in what is looking like an improving Wests side.
Tupou led Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall’s side in both line breaks and tackle busts in 2023 highlighting the strike he can bring on the outside, whilst Kristian Woolf blooding him in to the international set-up also speaks of the reputation he carries.
The Telegraph report that earlier this month the 21-year-old was offered an extension from the Tigers but the deal remains unsigned, hence both the Raiders and Roosters are circling.
Former Penrith Panthers Grand Final winner and current Wests captain Api Koroisau was one of just a few to lament the winger with praise, explaining earlier in the campaign: “He’s a freak. Just watching his carries on the way back, (I’m) so proud of him,” Koroisau told Fox Sports.
“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.”
For now Tupou will continue with Wests for the 2024 season with the Tigers having recruited former Leeds Rhinos playmaker Aiden Sezer to lend them some creativity, something that could help Tupou put up even more impressive numbers in 2024.
