The Dolphins continue to build a strong and youthful backline with the addition of Wests Tigers flyer Junior Tupou on a three-year deal from 2025 onwards.
The 21-year-old was a rare shining light for the wooden spooners in 2023, featuring in 22 games with all but two of those coming as a starting winger.
Junior Tupou signs three-year contract with the Dolphins from 2025
Upon the announcement on Friday afternoon, Dolphins CEO Terry Reader expressed his delight at signing another attacking weapon to compliment the likes of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo at the club.
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“The signing of Junior adds even more depth to our squad as we look ahead to establishing ourselves as a strong club of the future,” Reader said.
“He is one of the most exciting young backs in the NRL at the moment so we will be excited to have him join our evolving roster.”
Since making his debut for the Tigers at Magic Round in 2022, Tupou has frequently displayed his quality in a team which has often struggled to post points.
The young gun, who made his international debut for Tonga during their series defeat to England this year, crossed for six tries in 2023 while also registering two try assists and 17 linebreaks.
“Junior is a powerful runner out of the back of the field so he will give us plenty of punch,” Reader added.
Junior Tupou locked in from 2025 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/nqYLtnlnDZ
— The Dolphins (@dolphinsnrl) December 22, 2023
“At his age he also has plenty of room and time to improve his game, so we see him as a really valuable addition to the long-term future of the club.”
Tupou will join the Dolphins in what will become Kristian Woolf’s first season in charge of the new franchise after he takes over the reins from Wayne Bennett at the end of 2024.
Junior Tupou NRL stats 2023
| Appearances | 22 |
| Tries | 6 |
| Try Assists | 2 |
| Linebreaks | 17 |
| Tackle Busts | 84 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 120m |
| Tackle Efficiency | 74.4% |