Move over Anthony Minichiello. There is a new sheriff in town. After signing a deal that will see him at the club until at least 2016, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the next star fullback in the National Rugby League.
Time, the grim reaper of professional sport, is creeping up on Minichiello.
New Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson’s first big decision is to give the legendary fullback the old tap on the shoulder.
But if any man in the NRL can embrace a switch to the wing for the betterment of the team, it is Minichiello.
After an impressive 2012 season, Tuivasa-Sheck was named in the Toyota Cup Team of the Year and was awarded the Arthur Beetson NYC Player of the Year Medal by the Roosters.
The Roosters struggled throughout last season and desperately need a new start.
With the acquisitions of Sonny Bill Williams and James Maloney and a long list of boom rookies, its time for an overhaul at Bondi.
Tuivasa-Sheck can lead the Roosters into a new era.
“I’m really enjoying being a part of the Roosters. The club has treated me so well ever since I got here. I’m learning so much and I wanted to stay a Rooster and build a career here,” Tuivasa-Sheck said after signing on earlier in the month.
“I still have lots of room to improve and I just want to continue to learn in the coming years, keep getting better and hopefully secure my opportunity to play some good football for the club.”
Whether it comes sooner or later is rather elementary. Minichiello’s time in the number one jersey is coming to an abrupt end. The Junior Kiwi has all the capabilities to be the next Ben Barba.
But it isn’t all doom and gloom for Minichiello. The veteran can take heart from of all things, a basketball side from New Zealand.
The New Zealand Breakers have won the passed two National Basketball League championships on the back of a blend of talented youngsters and a group of veterans willing to play for the good of the team.
Guys like former Sydney Kings guard CJ Bruton has bought into the culture in Auckland and has the chance to win more titles on the back of these younger men.
Minichiello still has a part to play at the Roosters, but it’s not at fullback.
nayfo
Guest
rhys pritchard lmao he has done nothing, he played 2 games in 2011 and was rubbish. he also doesnt play for the roosters anymore haha. that is the funniest joke i have heard, RTS will be a superstar
Raf
Guest
RTS Replacing Mini, Ive heard good jokes in my time but this tops the lot RTS is terrible, Cant tackle and Slow. And most likely Cant Jump Seeing how short he is. I wouldn't even put him on the wing. Another Overrated Player like Moga. Who done nothing and Yet Somehow becoming superstar. I will never understand the guy who said his like Greg Inglis or SBW. His Slow and has Crappy Defense. Unlike Daniel Topou, Who at least and Catch and Shows some threat when Jumping. But I would rather put rhys pitchard, THat what you call talent If you want to replace mini Go Either Put Oldfield his atleast Fast and Works well as a Team or Get james Roberts 1: Mini 2: Oldfield 3: Jennings 4: SKD 5: Daniel or Rhy
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Roosters signing Jennings, that cant be good news for mini
max
Guest
Not sure about the comparrison with the NZ Breakers, CJ Bruton is that team.. They have on their won recent championships on the back of him... But surely the Roosters will shift Mini, I reckon they could be a top 4 side if they get it together...
EASTS
Guest
Kane Evans is a walk in. I would have Guerra in for Aubusson. Scrap Aubusson. Bosden offers off the bench impact keep him. That'd leave the bench Evans, Bosden, Takairangi and an open spot. I would rule out Tasi enough props as it is. Cherro is quite talented.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Bravo, sir. Bravo!
smithha
Roar Pro
Was super impressed by Cordner and Guerra last season. Where does Tom Symonds lie in the pecking order now? He was going like a gun until injury hit. I would love to see a home ground talent like Symonds hold a position in the 17.
Gareth
Roar Pro
The Mince's days are numbered. Good thing he loves counting so much.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
This is my likely team; 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Michael Oldfield, Adam Henry, Daniel Tupou 3 Tautau Moga (inj), (Sonny Bill Williams in early games) 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5 Anthony Minichiello 6 James Maloney 7 Mitch Pearce 8 Martin Kennedy, Frank-Paul Nuuausala 9 Jake Friend, Nafe Seluini 10 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 11 Sonny Bill Williams 12 Mitch Aubusson 13 Boyd Cordner 14 Aidan Guerra 15 Brad Takairangi 16 Lama Tasi, Anthony Cherrington, Jack Bosden 17 Tinirau Arona, Sam Moa, Tom Symonds, Kane Evans As u can see, I think there is a good chance tat SBW will start off in the same position as he plays in RU, left center as it gives him a chance to get used to the pace of the NRL after 5 years and also fills the big void left when Moga got injured. The Roosters are very strong in the forwards which is why I would play SBW at 6 at some stage, as I dont rate Maloney. The only way that RTS does not play 1 is if the Board over rules the coach, which given Mini has played for the last 5 years when he has been a shadow of his 2005 form, it may happen. Lets hope not.
nathan reeves
Guest
wasn't SKD named Dally M centre of the year in 2010 i think he is a good centre and will definitely play there next season, the roosters have 2 wingers/Centres in Daniel Tupou and Adam Henry who will do ok if given the chance my back 5 would be. 1.RTS, 2.Mini, 3.SKD,4. tupou/henry, 5. oldfield
impkax
Guest
Really, BJT, at what point do you think Mini shouldn't have the Fullback position taken away from him. In the last "two" years he has done nothing, did not lead the Roosters with outstanding performances throughout last season, unlike his more over rated side kicks, isn't one of the all time best Fullbacks of the modern era and, lets be honest, smells. Put the rookie in and he will show these fancy footballers how to play. More power to you Curtis. Oh, maybe for the sake of the Roosters they should start looking at player who haven't played the game.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Yeah. What he said.
mushi
Roar Guru
Should we dig up Clive Churchill if age shall not weary fullbacks? Also "trust and respect" as a selection criteria is in direct competition with "form alone"
bjt
For the sake of being pedantic, let’s make that 18 months. Regardless, being anything but a Roosters or Mini fan, a first class fullback is still a first class fullback. How about a little trust and respect for our rugby league players, and his position be decided on form alone? But more importantly, did anyone ask Sunny where he wants to play? Maybe he wants to be fullback or captain, or coach....
bjt
Curtis Woodward
Expert
That was still two years ago my friend.
bjt
Wasn't he picked for New South Wales in 2011 over the much acclaimed “no look” Jarryd? Either this illustrates the lack of depth in the NSW back line or how easy it is to be disposed of in Sydney. Or maybe its just been too quiet on the Roar front of late...
Curtis Woodward
Expert
They're still a quality back short. Aubusson can fill a role but I'm still not convinced SKD is a centre.
smithha
Roar Pro
Fullback. Roger T-S Wing. Mini Centre. S K-D Centre. Aubbusson Wing. Oldfield Then Pearce and Maloney makes for a dangerous backline.
jamesb
Guest
Looked like an exciting player Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Mini still has a role to play at the club, but it has to be on the wing. Also now that BJ Leilua has gone by the wayside, the roosters might be forced to shift one of their wingers into the centres.