Two Tongan rugby league icons, Jason Taumalolo and Daniel Tupou, have reached the rare milestone of 300 NRL appearances within three weeks of each other.
The feats place the veteran internationals among rugby league's most durable players and a source of pride for Tonga, where the pair have become role models for the next generation of Tongan and Pacific rugby players.
Princess Angelika Latufuipeka and Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua led a delegation to Australia to honour both players, attending their milestone matches and congratulating them on behalf of the Tongan people.
Tupou finishes 300-game magically
Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou (35) celebrated the milestone against Paramatta Eels on 11 July 2026, Sydney, Australia.
The occasion had been delayed after a calf injury suffered during Magic Round left Tupou stranded on 299 appearances for several weeks. The veteran winger returned in style, producing the seventh hat-trick of his career as the Roosters defeated the Eels 28-12 after pulling away in the second half.
Tupou's 300th appearance adds to a decorated career that includes three NRL premierships, State of Origin honours and international representation for both Tonga and Australia.
Despite the milestone, the off-contract winger said his future remains undecided.
"My goal was to get to 300 games and now we're here. I'll catch up with my manager and go from there," he said.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said Tupou's consistency had defined one of the game's finest careers.
"Daniel has scored tries in more first-grade games than any player in Australian rugby league history. That record reflects not only his talent but the consistency he has delivered year after year," Andrew Abdo said. "His professionalism and standards have earned the respect of teammates, coaches and supporters throughout a remarkable career."
Taumalolo becomes Cowboys' first 300-game player
Only weeks earlier, North Queensland Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo became the first player in club history to reach 300 NRL games.
The Tonga captain celebrated the milestone against Penrith at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 27 after spending almost 16 seasons with the Cowboys.
Taumalolo remains one of the most decorated forwards of the NRL era, winning the 2016 Dally M Medal, three Dally M Lock of the Year awards and six Cowboys Player of the Year honours.
Abdo said Taumalolo's longevity reflected more than just talent.
"Jason has shown incredible dedication throughout almost 16 years with one club," he said. "To become the first Cowboy to reach 300 games says everything about his durability, professionalism and commitment."
Prime Minister takes pride in Tonga's NRL
Lord Fakafanua, who served as chairman of Tonga Rugby League before becoming Prime Minister, said the achievements represented more than individual successniel Tupou for reaching 300 games. It is something we wanted to celebrate together," he said.
"It is inspiring. You see it in the sea of red whenever Tonga plays. Their families, their villages and the whole country are proud of them."
Lord Fakafanua said players such as Taumalolo and Tupou helped spark the rise of Pacific rugby league, paving the way for stronger international competition across the region.
"The family of the Pacific has come together through rugby league. The talent has always been there, and this is only the beginning," he said. "Not many players reach 100 games, fewer reach 200, and even fewer reach 300. What Jason and Daniel have achieved is extraordinary."
Final World Cup together
Taumalolo and Tupou are expected to line up together for Tonga one final time at the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
Kristian Woolf's side opens its campaign against England in Perth on October 17 before facing Lebanon and Samoa during the pool stage.
Their milestone seasons have solidified their status among Tonga's greatest rugby league exports, leaving a legacy that extends beyond club football and continues to inspire the next generation of Pacific players.
