Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s transition from rugby league to rugby in time for the 2019 World Cup is reportedly all but complete.
The Warriors and Kiwis fullback will sign on with New Zealand Rugby and likely join the Blues for the 2019 Super Rugby campaign, according to Radio New Zealand, putting himself in the frame for an All Blacks World Cup call-up.
The Samoan-born livewire played both rugby and rugby league throughout high school before joining the Sydney Roosters in late 2011.
He has since gone on to earn a big-money move to the Warriors and become club captain.
He is yet to inform his Warriors teammates of the move, according to RNZ.
Australian media reports in October – around the time of the Kiwis’ disastrous Rugby League World Cup campaign – suggested that Tuivasa-Sheck had long-held ambitions to play the 15-a-side game and crack the All Blacks.
At the time, Tuivasa-Sheck kept quiet on the speculation.
Yet, should he switch from league to rugby, he may have a fairly difficult time earning a black jumper amidst a crowded back-three field.
He’ll have little time to earn the trust of coach Steve Hansen before the 2019 World Cup, while a score of prodigious backs – including Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie and Jordie Barrett – will play protagonists’ roles in 2023.
Other players could also emerge in the meantime – but Hansen didn’t mind the idea of having Tuivasa-Sheck at his disposal.
“I like the rumour,” Hansen told reporters in October.
UPDATE: Tuivasa-Sheck’s manager, Bruce Sharrock, has responded to the reports of his client’s switch to the Blues, emphatically quashing the rumours.
“It’s another case of journalistic sensationalism and this is one of the reasons why we don’t speak to people,” Sharrock said.
“I can tell you categorically, I’ve not even spoken to the Blues.”
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
Would need to spend some time getting his acting up to scratch.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
I agree if NMS can come back with form he’ll be the one. I remember against Australia, I think it was 2015 he carved them up and helped the All Blacks win. It was some of his magic that swung the game around. If a winger can swing the game your way, it says a lot. That’s Ioane, in a tight game he can be a game changer.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Pretty sure his manager was confirming that he had spoken to NZR as recently as October 2017.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Cause Adidas loves throwing away millions on unknowns.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Hansen loves having a ‘power wing’ & a smaller nimble wing. Believes it provides more options. If NMS can prove his fitness he will be ahead of Naholo for the 14 jumper.
Don
Guest
No he doesnt
milan
Guest
oh wow jacko, getting front page in the SMH makes you world famous lol lol. World famous is Christiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods. Get with it Wacko
Rebellion
Guest
I’m guessing it will be 15. Ben Smith 14. Rieko Ioane 11. Waisake Naholo Bench 1. Damien Mackenzie (covering flyhalf, wing and fullback 2. Israel Dagg, Julian Savea or a young bolter Milner Skudder has his work cut out this season
piru
Roar Rookie
Yeah cos he's got that traditional soccer player's body type
piru
Roar Rookie
Yep but lets forget that and pretend
Jacko
Guest
Brad Thorn...Robbie Deans...Didnt Richie get the front page in the SMH?
piru
Roar Rookie
Jonah Lomu
Milan
Guest
If he wants to play a proper world game and become world famous then he needs to play football and not the pretend world game that all union fans think their game is. What a joke comment. Most people have no idea who dan carter and irsrael folau are lol
ClarkeG
Guest
It's been said in a Stuff article today that the Warriors believe this "scuttlebutt" regards Tuivasa-Sheck has been fueled by NZR following the Warriors contractual issues with Nanai-Seturo's apparent preference to pursue rugby opportunities as opposed to rugby league. Conspiracy theories. All eyes will be on Nanai-Seturo at the Hamilton 7s tomorrow..
KenW
Guest
World famous? RTS already lives in, by far, the most RU place on earth. Even in Australia, cultural and geographic neighbours that we are, SBW is the only All Black that could claim household name status.
Cole
Guest
Cheers for the clarification, thought SBW spent a season in Europe before SR but forgot it was 2.
Misha
Guest
ABs or Warriors? - tough call - NOT!
Cuw
Guest
but NMS was in red hot form - hit a purple patch as we say in cricket. was good for Manawatu as back or wing , then same with Hurricanes. also lets not forget that he offered something different to the all blacks - who had big wingers. also as a 15 he could difuse bombs , another valuable skill for a wing. not seen much of RTS , but if he brings something different , perhaps they will consider him for sure. when SBW came on first , it was his back hand off load that made the impression - the USP :D
Mike
Guest
Of course he wants to leave league and play for the All Blacks! He wants to be world famous and play the big boys game. I say welcome to the International Arena Roger see the world and leave that game league.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Nothing to lose for the All Blacks though. He shines or he doesn’t. He becomes Super fringe, or Super starting or an All Black. As an All Black coach surly he would catch your eye and give you a quiet buzz. Look at SBW. Even as a rugby purist you have a strong inkling to see how it all folds out. Can he add the magic to the rugby? SBW changed some paradigms...and I hope that others can do the same... Though valid views, Die Hard. Just showing you the other side of the card...! Sometimes it’s just a glitch in the Matrix. ;)