Sydney Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa–Sheck has inked a new three year deal rumoured to be worth $800,000 a season with the New Zealand Warriors starting from the 2016 NRL Season.
Developments on Tuesday night saw the Warriors rumoured to be making a big money grab for the talented youngster from the Roosters and on Wednesday morning Roosters’ fans woke to the news that their side “could not match what the Warriors had offered RTS”.
On Wednesday morning the Roosters were still confident in their chances of keeping their star fullback and are believed to have tabled an offer to Tuivasa-Sheck worth about $400,000 per season.
However on Wednesday afternoon, the Warriors released a media statement stating that they had signed Roosters fullback on a three year contract and released star fullback Sam Tomkins to go home to England at the end of the 2015 NRL season.
New Zealand Warriors managing director Jim Doyle has stated home sickness as the major reason for Sam Tomkins release to go back to England saying that “He came here excited about testing himself in the NRL and also experiencing living in a new country but, in the end, Sam has found it too much of a challenge being away from home”.
Sam Tomkins thanked the Warriors for his time at the club and understanding his situation. “I never imagined it would reach this point,” he said. “This is a great club and I can’t say enough about the coaching staff. I love being with the lads and it’s a brilliant country to live in but I can only be honest and say I miss home in ways I never thought I would. I’m truly grateful to the Warriors for agreeing to give me an early release and I am so determined to repay them for their consideration. All I want now is to get back out on the field to help us have a great season.”
Making it an exceptionally bad 24 hour period for the Sydney Roosters, Willis Meehan voluntarily stood down last night whilst he is waiting for the results of a court case where he is the accused.
At the roosters it is likely that from next season Blake Ferguson will become the new fullback, however there is no question this is a blow for the Roosters.
cedric
Guest
I was told last year I was a Tomkins basher and he had stats like Jared Hayne. Well I didn't see Jared dropping the ball about twice a game, and in any case generally making about 2 mistakes per game. But towards the end of last year he was starting to improve and this year he was starting to look good, mainly as a link man. He didn't make too many busts himself. But when you have the Fish/Lolohea and Abbey (U20s) in the wings then most believed Tomkin would maybe struggle in the long term to keep his spot. I am not concerned he's going, I believe the Fish has to be a fullback and RTS a 5/8. With the pact of those 2 plus Kata/Johnson, they can't watch them all!!!!!
BroncoJuggernaut
Guest
Does any warriors fan care that tomkins is gone? Why did the Warriors even sign him in the first place? Let's hope that Mitchell kid at the roosters gets a go at fullback, he looks promising.
BroncoJuggernaut
Guest
How can tomkins be in the top 5 fullbacks when slater, Inglis, Moylan, Stewart, Tedesco, RTS, Dugan and Morris are all better then him?
BroncoJuggernaut
Guest
How can he be one of the best fullbacks in the world when he is only the 9th best fullback in the NRL? Tomkins is overrated.
Breeze101
Roar Rookie
Very true!! Alot of Kiwis are poached mainly from Rugby Union ranks in New Zealand. Credit to Australia for providing a career pathway & a great lifestyle for home ground Kiwi talent. To be fair Australian clubs do invest heavily on kiwi talent in a alot ways they just want recognition for their investment. I guess Australia just feels cheated almost, but most players coming to OZ from NZ are still born & breed Kiwis at heart that's all that matters!! If Kiwis also feel like Australia is home for them & decide to play for Australia good for them, Australia is also home to alot of Kiwis like myself & really thankful for the lifestyle Australia provides!! RTS will be a great asset to the Warriors good luck to him.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Warriors were the only ones taking him on a massive salary. Most other poms have to come out and prove themselves first.
Wolly
Guest
I'm actually opinionated not a big mouth, there is a difference. What relevance does my surname have? If you must know I'm a second generation Australian with an italian background. Can you explain why you mentioned 6 players who were born and raised in Australia? Tuivasa-Sheck born in Samoa. Moa born in Tonga. Moi Moi also born in Tonga. That's just off the top of my head. I'm not saying the same thing hasn't or won't happen regarding Australia, but don't complain about something you have a part in was what I was trying to get at.
Rod
Guest
I'd suggest that's more impressive than your sporting career.
cedric
Guest
I wonder how much Valintine Holmes would cost? 400? Anyway we spent overs, I guess we have to as it's Auckland. Put RTS at 5/8 and put the Fish at fullback. With all that pace somethings gotta give, that's if the young fellas hold onto the ball a bit better from here on in! The Fish will be back from injury soon, touch wood!
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I've come to this one late, but my thoughts are that 800k pa seems like a lot. Especially for a young bloke.
pjm
Roar Rookie
I thought 600k was too rich when that was being reported. Now 800k! Nuts.
Jay C
Roar Guru
If the reports of 800K a season are anywhere near accurate then the Warriors are crazy. RTS has potential but gee that has to put him amongst the top couple of fullbacks earnings wise. Big bucks for an as yet unproven winger.
Dav
Guest
Well played Warriors, after all the media attention on Roosters TPA's their hands were tied ....
Jacksyd
Guest
I have a hunch the roosters were feeling a little exposed with all the recent negative publicity regarding the salary cap and 3rd party sponsors otherwise he might still be there.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
lol, some mothers do have them
SpongeBob
Guest
Haha To be fair a lot of articles are pretty much finished in the first paragraph! A lot is repeated info so already know, or just not much to write about (rts moving, homesick, 800k - done! So I thought)
SpongeBob
Guest
Bright side is with some creative accounting he'll fit in easily! 0 means nothing, so take a few off the end of the figures and wham ;)
Brad. H
Guest
"home sickness as the major reason for Sam Tomkins release to go back to England saying that “He came here excited about testing himself in the NRL and also experiencing living in a new country but, in the end, Sam has found it too much of a challenge being away from home”. " no shame in not being good enough but when everybody knows it then excuses are just that ...excuses.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Hahahahaha...
Meesta Cool
Guest
Watching Wigan game the other day and Roosters have signed their winger (Burgess). my bet is that he hasn't signed for peanuts!..