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In my June 18 article “SBW, Tuivasa-Sheck could bring Roosters into 2013 favouritism”, I asked who the Roosters’ budding champion Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will choose to represent: his country New Zealand, or the NSW Blues?
Since then, Tuivasa-Sheck has not only graduated into first grade but set the rugby league world on fire. He promises to be a major reason why the ailing Sydney Roosters can combine with Sonny Bill Williams next year and help the tricolours to challenge for the title.
The skill that he showed on Friday night to side step Kangaroo Brett Morris was stunning. Then, to work his way through traffic up the field 60m and set up a try, was something you do not see from a 19-year-old in just their second senior game.
Anybody that had seen Roger would not be surprised. The media have been quick to jump on the RTS bandwagon but only after they had been very critical of the Roosters for allowing Sam Perrett to leave the club and move to the Bulldogs.
I know who Steve Kearney would prefer in a Kiwi jersey.
RTS is very special no doubt but he will really stand out when coach Brian Smith finally gets up enough courage to select him in his rightful position of fullback.
This would require either moving or sacking club favourite son Anthony Minichiello, who surely must be flattered to be selected each week.
The move is likely to happen next season as Mini, although still very fit, lacks speed and power to bust a tackle and made two bad errors last Friday night. In is favour, he remains a friend of the board, which means he will not be sacked even if it means the coach losing his job.
The fact that we are even discussing who RTS will play for at representative level is a major issue that the ARLC must address. It should be a clear cut black and white decision and not something that a teenager should be agonising over.
Friday night’s 26-10 win over the Dragons moves the Roosters to 19 points, which should ensure they will not finish with the wooden spoon. Coach Smith can breathe easy – at least for another week.
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