Source: Zimbio

State of Origin Player Profiles: Daniel Tupou

Nick Fray, Origin Online and Over the Line Sports

Origin online continues its series of player profiles as we count down to Game Two, with a look at young Blues and Roosters flyer Daniel Tupou.

 

Daniel Tupou, New South Wales

Winger, Sydney Roosters

Origin Appearances: 1

Origin Tries: 0

Origin Status: The next big thing

 

In their quest to end Queensland’s eight-year reign as Origin champions, the Blues took a punt on youth with the selection of Roosters winger Daniel Tupou in Game One of the 2014 series. Regarded by many as the game’s most promising high-flyer since the departure of Israel Folau, the selection of Bulldogs kicking ace Trent Hodkinson was expected to facilitate an aerial assault on the Queenslanders in the hopes of capitalising on Tupou’s leaping ability.

Whilst that didn’t quite materialise, it was still an impressive enough debut and anybody who has witnessed his exploits at club level will tell you it’s only a matter of time until Tupou becomes a star of the Origin arena. 25 tries in just 39 first grade games is a fair indication of Tupou’s attacking prowess, and at 6’5 with uncommon leaping ability it’s little wonder that NRL wingers dread facing off against the young Rooster.

However, it’s not just Tupou’s aerial ability that has caught they eye of rep selectors. Partnered on the left at both club and Origin level with the explosive Michael Jennings, Tupou is also a danger to opposing defences in the running game and will continue to blossom as their partnership develops. A sound defender, Tupou was highly impressive in the Roosters march to the 2013 premiership title and appears set for a long stay at Origin level.

While Tupou has all the potential in the world, there is still a job to be done in this year’s series and it will be anything but easy as he goes head to head with decorated Maroons veteran Brent Tate. Tate has proven himself more than handy under the high ball in series’ past so Tupou will need to bring his promising all-round game as the Blues look to capitalise on a golden opportunity to end eight long years of Origin heartbreak.

 

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