Tongan Star Daniel Tupou Honoured by Royalty Following 300th NRL Milestone

SYDNEY — Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has entered the history books as one of the few Pasifika pioneers to reach 300 NRL appearances, a milestone marked by a hat-trick of tries and an official royal reception. The Tongan international achieved the feat during last weekend's match against the Parramatta Eels, where he was presented with a commemorative gift by Princess Angelika Tuku’aho, the daughter of King Tupou VI, and Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua. Speaking to RNZ Pacific on 15 July 2026, Lord Fakafanua, who also serves as the president of Tonga Rugby League, described Tupou as a reliable leader who has inspired generations of Tongan youth. He praised the winger’s "quiet humility" off the field and his "performance excellence" on it. The Prime Minister noted that Tupou’s 2017 decision to switch his international allegiance to Tonga was a turning point for the nation's rise on the global stage. Tupou joins an elite group of Pasifika athletes to reach the 300-game mark, including fellow Tongan Jason Taumalolo, Toa Samoa representative Josh Papali’i, and retired legends Petero Civoniceva and Michael Jennings. Lord Fakafanua highlighted the significance of these milestones in building momentum for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup 2026, where Tupou is expected to play a key role in the Tongan campaign. The celebrations come at a time of growth for the sport in the Pacific, supported by new funding from Australia. Lord Fakafanua told RNZ Pacific that rugby league acts as a unifying force across Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. He also confirmed that plans are underway to renovate Te’ufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa, raising the possibility of Tonga hosting international matches in the future.