The Roosters could be set to lose two veterans at the end of the season with Daniel Tupou facing a five-week layoff to see if he can overcome a shoulder injury. This comes as speculation mounts Daly Cherry-Evans will call it quits after the 2026 season.
Tupou injured his shoulder on the weekend having left the game in the win over the Knights. There was concern the 35-year-old could miss the remainder of the season if he required surgery.
The Roosters could be looking at both Daly Cherry-Evans and Daniel Tupou retiring at the end of the season. (Getty Images)
Although the Roosters feel Tupou can avoid surgery and undergo a five week recovery. Unfortunately, the latest injury could come as a blow for the Roosters. Coach Trent Robinson feels it could deter Tupou from playing on into 2027.
The all-time leading Roosters try-scorer hasn’t made up his mind on whether he will play into next season. Tupou would likely overtake Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (310) in appearances if he played next year.
Although Robinson expects Tupou to make the call within the next ‘two to three’ weeks. “I’m not sure is the answer. I don’t know,” he said. “Toops is an honest man, he’s quite clear about that and he’s not going to fake it. He’ll make a decision whether he’s ready to go or whether he’s not.
“So, I’m not sure whether that (injury) will shift that last week. I’d say it’d be in the next two to three weeks we’ll know where Toops is at and where we’re at.”
Speculation grows around Daly Cherry-Evans call
And Tupou’s call could coincide with Cherry-Evans’ decision. The veteran halfback signed a one-year deal with the Roosters after leaving Manly with an option to play again in 2027.
While many felt Cherry-Evans would give the 2027 season a run, speculation is mounting the 37-year-old will finish up at the end of this campaign. The Roosters are sitting in second-place on the ladder. They will be playing NRL finals footy, but The Wide World of Sports has reported Cherry-Evans is leaning towards retirement.
Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured) could retire at the end of the season. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
And Roosters great Braith Anasta feels the same. Speaking on NRL 360, Anasta felt we could be watching Cherry-Evans in his last season.
“I think it’s curtains. Even if they do win the comp and he does what he’s doing now, I still think it’s a better business decision than the Roosters and the squad they’ve got to give the reins to Sam (Walker),” Anasta said on Tuesday night.
Toby Rodwell is touted as a potential superstar playmaker coming through the ranks at the Roosters with Sam Walker to take the reins when Cherry-Evans departs. Cherry-Evans could go straight into a coaching role at the Roosters after retirement. The Roosters also lose representative second-rower Angus Crichton at the end of the season to rugby union.
Speculation is mounting Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured) could retire at the end of the season. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)