With aspirations of concluding his NRL career with a championship and a successful World Cup campaign with Tonga, Daniel Tupou faces challenges due to a shoulder injury.
The 35-year-old winger recently discussed his return to fitness following a dislocated shoulder sustained in late July during a match against Newcastle.
Despite the injury, Tupou decided against surgery, aiming to help the Sydney Roosters secure their first premiership since 2019.
He stated, "If it does happen again then I have to go for surgery," reflecting the precarious nature of his recovery.
Currently feeling well, Tupou recalled the pain of the injury, saying, "it was painful when it was just hanging out and my physio had to pop it back in."
Add to this the recent arrival of his new baby, and Tupou has faced a difficult year balancing personal responsibilities and recovery.
A recurrence of his shoulder issue during the finals could jeopardize his chance to retire from international play with a World Cup trophy.
Tupou, Tonga's all-time leading tryscorer, was instrumental in the team's memorable semi-final run during the 2017 World Cup.
He expressed gratitude for being part of that historic achievement, saying, "Nobody would have thought we'd do something like that and create something special for the little nation."
While he currently lacks a contract for next season, Tupou and the Roosters are addressing his future in a composed manner.
He remarked, "I'm sorting that out with my manager," with plans to finalize decisions soon, noting, "There's a couple of options there but it's about whatever fits best for myself and my family."