By Scott Bailey/AAP

Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou is on the verge of etching his name deeper into club history, needing just 18 more games to surpass Waerea-Hargreaves as the most-capped Rooster of all time.

Now in his 15^th NRL season, Tupou is not only closing in on the record but has also signalled his desire to extend his career into 2027, potentially taking him into a 16^th season.

Tupou remains off contract at the end of this year, but believes he is playing as well as ever.

The Roosters winger will turn 35 in June, but has scored 42 tries since the start of 2024 and has enjoyed a relatively injury-free run throughout his career.

Tupou is on track to next month join Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Mitch Aubusson, Anthony Minichiello and Luke Ricketson as Roosters with 300 games for the club.

"It would definitely mean a lot," Tupou said of the milestone.

"Especially as a one-club man. Just for myself and my family, it would be awesome to tick that off.

"I've walked past that wall every day and I see (the photos of the club's 300-game players), and it just gives me motivation to be part of that. It would be awesome."

Tupou has typically been hesitant to discuss his long-term future, but indicated this week he wanted to play on into 2027 and that he wanted to settle that plan.

But he does believe he is playing as well as ever, after debuting for the Roosters in 2012 and scoring a try in their grand-final success the following year.

"I am surrounded by a great bunch of blokes all working towards a common goal of playing consistent footy and winning games," Tupou said.

"I always talk to my wife at home about it. I am still pinching myself that I am still playing and still healthy.

"I'm extremely blessed and grateful. I never would have thought I would still be playing at the moment."

If Tupou does play on next year, all types of records are in sight.

The Tongan flyer now has 185 tries, and could become just the third man in history to reach 200.

Ken Irvine's recently-eclipsed mark of 212 could also be in sight, but the three-time premiership winner does concede hauling in South Sydney's 31-year-old Alex Johnston won't happen.

"AJ is on his own," Tupou said.

"He is too far ahead and he deserves it. I am just trying to do my part for the team and play good footy.

"I've just been trying to stay healthy and be the best asset I can be for the team."