Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has again been linked with a move to New Zealand Rugby with a report claiming this season will be his last in the NRL.
Months after Tuivasa-Sheck told AAP that reports of a code switch for 2021 and a possible All Blacks jersey was just “a similar story that happens pretty much every year”, speculation is mounting that the the NRL superstar will play out the next campaign with the Warriors before jumping ship.
Tuivasa-Sheck is contracted to the Warriors until the end of the 2022 season, although the final year has an option in his favour.
News Corp has reported that the 27-year-old Dally M Medallist will quit the NRL and turn to rugby with a goal of playing for the All Blacks at the World Cup in 2023.
He would likely play for Super Rugby side the Auckland Blues.
The Warriors have been contacted for comment.
Tuivasa-Sheck was linked to rugby union during last year after the Warriors were forced to spend the season based in Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions, with his partner and two children remaining at home in Auckland.
He is part of the squad in Tamworth before the Warriors relocate to the Central Coast next week.
Tuivasa-Sheck told the Warriors website recently that this time his family will be with him in Australia, from February.
In November, Tuivasa-Sheck trained with New Zealand’s Sevens rugby squad which reignited rumours although at that time Warriors boss Cameron George shut down any talk of an exit for the fullback.
Micko
Roar Rookie
There is now war. League dominates because it appeals to the plebs: all the yobbos and bogans. Union is a niche upper class private school sport. They rarely interact with each other.
Just read Zossa’s comments above….That war….The League must hate on Union War….Ive seen it for 35 years in Aus…Where have you been sleeping? WA?
Micko
Roar Rookie
What “war” in Australia Jacko? That “war” was won and lost in 1908, as I’ve elaborated on to you before.
I dont watch soccer and I dont watch rah rah...unless I need a cure for insomnia
Maybe its not all about you Zozza. You are fully entitled to enjoy whatever sport you want but why rubbish other peoples choices( saying rahrah is a joke of a game ) because they are different to yours? We are a diverse society and that includes our sporting preferences...lets face it, more people around the world prefer Soccer than any other sport yet you arnt keen on it....All good....Dont watch it...
Since when how good a game is got anything to do with how far and wide it is played? 1 Billion Chinese play pingpong - so what? Soccer is played world wide, yet I get more enjoyment watching paint dry than that snoozefest of a game.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
All the best rugby players in NZ don't play league; the dominance of rugby in NZ over league is akin to league's dominance over union here in Australia. Storm and Raiders make a point of scouting NZ schoolboy union competitions; that's where the Storm got Vunivalu. To the best of my knowledge, there is no serious, sustained, co-ordinated rugby league development scheme in New Zealand. The arrival of the Warriors in the ARL/NRL soon led to the demise of NZRL's only national competition. Since then, the NZ domestic league competition has been zoned-based.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
The reason seems to that me is that all the really good kiwi players end up playing for Aussie teams ( especially the Storm and the Roosters.) I have always felt that if the Warriors could keep a fair percentage of these guys they would be unbeatable. The Broncs keep a fair percentage of their juniors , so do the Cows and Penrith and a few others. Is it impossible for the Warriors to do this????
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
How much do you know about the NZ scene, Jimmmy? There's a reason why the Warriors are forever struggling.
Paul
Roar Guru
not in rugby but in rugby league, RTS is very marketable
Sluggy
Roar Guru
I think his agent has looked at the money available in Europe when he hits 31 after the next RWC, and this current move is a bit of a "loss leader". If he makes the ABs he will have done the work, but it is worth remembering SBW was a bench player who never cemented a starting spot.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Oh I’d agree absolutely they don’t need him
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Marketable in Aust and NZ rugby maybe? But in Argentina, South Africa and other rugby nations? Think not.
Big Daddy
Guest
If it is true and happens the All Black's or NZRU have stolen a march on league. While the warriors are based in Australia and neglecting situations like this in union will take advantage of opportunities like this . Maybe RTS wants to stay at home and opportunities like this ensures it happens. The NRL have been focusing on Australia and forgotten they have a team in NZ.
Big Daddy
Guest
This is a case of wether he's wanting to go Union or are the All Blacks wanting him. Another case of another Rugby League supposedly going over. TBH who really cares . I remember when Israel Folau was coming back from AFL . The NRL really didn't want him . Just another headline .
Don’t worry mate, the talent in NZ is huge and the Warriors will find someone. probably another Union junior....Its the NRL's largest talent breeding ground.
Yep not a fast top end but I guess a good 10-20 and his sidestep will make the break.....In Union he will have support runners constantly in place for the pass or offload so could be a major linebreaker....
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Good luck RTS. I was very sad when he left the Roosters, but wish him every success. Champion bloke both on and off the field.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Home is the Roosters, In Briefs.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
He's quick over 40-50 metres, which is probably what you need, but I've seen him run down over 80 to 90m.