The axing of Krisnan Inu and Fisiiahi after the round 15 thrashing by the Cowboys gave Tupou his latest NRL chance. This time he has seized it, lighting up the field and some important statistical categories in an impressive four-game stretch.
Against the Storm, Titans and Bulldogs he ran for well over 100m. Last week's spectacular opening try against the Rabbitohs followed an important first of the season against the Titans.
He has also been returning kicks effectively and busting plenty of tackles - 16 in his last four matches as opposed to two in his first three.
All up, Tupou has been performing more like a top-notch NRL winger than a temporary stand-in.
"It's just good to be back and playing consistently," he said.
And now he knows he truly belongs.
"Yeah, definitely. I feel like I am more part of the team. Everything I do I just try to make an impact, do something good for the team."
The question is whether Tupou is here to stay. Despite his sparkling form he doesn't have Inu's combination of big-game experience and sublime skill, nor Fisiiahi's blinding pace and open-field running ability.
He is keeping the other contenders for the right wing spot at bay, but for how long?
Dropping him on current form would be difficult, but coach Ivan Cleary didn't rule it out.
"He is getting better and he has the potential to get better," Cleary said. "He is playing a role for us at the moment but whether that means he stays there or not, I couldn't tell you. But I am happy there at the moment."
Tupou said he was aware he was keeping two highly rated players out of the side.
"It is pushing me to go harder every week because Ivan could cut you just like that," he said.
Tupou undoubtedly isn't the only player wondering whether he will stay in the side.
Out-of-contract centre Joel Moon has struck up an effective partnership with Vatuvei after being recalled for the last two matches.
Moon crossed twice last week against the Rabbitohs and handed Vatuvei another try on a plate.
But Lewis Brown's return to fitness will put Moon's place under threat.
Cleary described Brown as having "some chance" of returning tomorrow against the Raiders. But whenever he does return it will be to a side possessing precious few openings in his favoured back row position.
Brown was hands-down the Warriors best player over the first half of the season but he wouldn't force captain Simon Mannering, Micheal Luck or Feleti Mateo out of the side.
Assuming the highly effective propping quartet is also untouchable, that would leave a straight choice between dropping impressive rookie Elijah Taylor or returning Brown to the centres.
The Raiders appear close to calling a quality reinforcement of their own, with test prop David Shillington strongly tipped to return to a side that upset reigning premiers St George Illawarra on Monday night.
Warriors v Raiders
Mt Smart Stadium, 2pm tomorrow
Kevin Locke
Bill Tupou
Joel Moon
Shaun Berrigan
Manu Vatuvei
James Maloney
Shaun Johnson
Russell Packer
Aaron Heremaia
Jacob Lillyman
Feleti Mateo
S Mannering (c)
Micheal Luck
Interchange: Pita Godinet, Sam Rapira, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor.
Josh Dugan
Blake Ferguson
Jarrod Croker
Joel Thompson
Daniel Vidot
Josh McCrone
Sam Williams
Brett White
Alan Tongue (c)
Dane Tilse
Josh Papalii
Bronson Harrison
Shaun Fensom
Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Josh Miller, Danny Galea, Sam Mataora, Joe Picker.
