Roosters boss Trent Robinson praises ‘subtle’ influence of Daniel Tupou

Roosters coach Trent Robinson singled out winger Daniel Tupou as making the play of the match in preventing Wests Tigers winger Corey Thompson from scoring the match-winner in the north-east corner of Allianz Stadium on Sunday. The Tigers were trailing 14-12 after Mitchell Pearce had been denied by the video referee moments earlier, but Thompson had dived over for what would have been his second try when he was ruled to have knocked on as he tried to ground the ball. Referee Gerard Sutton sent play back for a penalty, but Tupou came from nowhere to dispossess Thompson on his way to the try line, a decision which Robinson said worthy of the Clive Churchill Medal.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson noted the efforts of his side, also making a special mention of the contribution of winger Daniel Tupou.

“He was incredible the way that he played, and it was so subtle,” Robinson said.

“The difference a metre makes when you’re deep in your own end – it feels like five metres further down the field and that’s what he was doing on his carries.”

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— Sydney Roosters ???? (@sydneyroosters) March 18, 2022

Tupou scored a typically tidy try in the corner early in the match, notching up 163 run metres by the conclusion of the game. The 30-year-old was also faced with a challenging match-up against an athletic Daniel Saab, but the Roosters coach stated that his veteran winger won the battle on the night.

“He takes pride in [his work] … he [also] owns the air, and he’s owned it for a long time,” Robinson said.

“[Jason Saab] is a wonderful high-ball specialist, and [the Sea Eagles] know when to go to him.

“But [Tupou] owns the air, and that was a challenge for him tonight and he did that.”

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