Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has played his last NRL game, with the Warriors superstar set to return to New Zealand before the travel bubble closes on Thursday.
Already bound for rugby union next year, Tuivasa-Sheck has made the call to rush back home on Thursday before the Trans-Tasman bubble is closed for at least eight weeks.
One of the game’s most electrifying fullbacks when at his best, it means the 2018 Dally M Medal winner’s NRL career ends with a concussion against Penrith in round 18.
Tuivasa-Sheck had initially planned on playing out the season, but has now been granted a release to avoid quarantine and prevent a hold up to his switch to rugby union.
“We’re hugely sympathetic to Roger’s position,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.
“The government paused the travel bubble last week and announced it was giving New Zealanders seven days to return home.
“The reality is the border might be closed for more than eight weeks.
“Roger is going to rugby union with our blessing but if we require him to see out the rest of his contract he won’t be able to return home until at least the end of September and maybe a lot later.
“It would seriously impact on his ability to make his start in union and we wouldn’t want to see that happen.”
Tuivasa-Sheck’s plight sums up that of the Warriors, who had hoped to return to Auckland next month for a home game before Australia’s latest coronavirus outbreak.
Players and staff have not been home since a two-month stint between last October and January, when the Warriors conducted a pre-season with Australia and New Zealand-based groups.
A premiership winner with the Roosters in 2013, Tuivasa-Sheck scored 58 tries in 195 NRL games.
Meanwhile, the suspension of the travel bubble also raises questions over how the Warriors will return home at the end of the NRL campaign.
Tuivasa-Sheck’s exit represents another blow to the club after six straight losses, meaning their season will almost certainly end within the next eight weeks.
The Warriors now intend on staying in Australia beyond the end of the season as they await a spot in the queue to return home.
But if the break in the bubble is extended beyond eight weeks, George said they could be forced to wait until December before leaving Australia.
“We’ll start to explore (how to get back), but we’re respectful that we are no more important than anyone else striving to get back to New Zealand as well,” George said.
“We don’t expect special treatment.
“But if there is a way we can get the group in considering the larger scale of our group we will work with the government and Sport New Zealand.”
Pete
Guest
Maybe... a leaguie coming to rugby he better be fit because you don't get to rest different defensive lines and awareness not a front on bash and crash game as league
yeah 13 is a possibility if he can read it defensively but either backline position will be something for him to re-learn. Im looking forward to seeing him in the Auckland Bunnings cup side for the full season.
Dont think DC is still there but not sure. A full Bunnings cup will help him tho
I doubt defense will be an issue for him. he wont be used to being that close in but I think he would adapt easy enough. Not sure his kicking is good enough for FB but we dont see it in League so maybe its great but maybe its not.
Nat
Roar Guru
All the best RTS. Couldn't have been a better player, clubman or role model to the junior Kiwis coming through.
Cam
Guest
I really admire that RTS was elite level pro, but always played within the spirit of the game. He will leave the code with much respect from his peers and all league fans. I would have loved to have seen Roger get his Warriors send off in NZ, he certaintly earnt it. Best of luck back home.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
I be wrong (& I'm too lazy to check) but I seem to recall Roger playing in the centres maybe 12 for the Blues juniors?!?!
Andy J
Roar Rookie
Agree comes across as a good bloke as well as good/great player
Andy J
Roar Rookie
I hadn’t thought of him as a twelve before but certainly in attack his footwork passing game and hole running would be amazing. Defence in the front line might be a question though.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
with Nonu's strength & power you'd rether he played on the wing against you, you'd give him the sideline every time so he'd run around you instead of over / through you
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
@12? hell of a lot of tackling there. While centres in rugby probably is similar to RL, 12 is more of a bash n barge position (hence Sam Burgess playing @12), as a RL full back used to staggered defences, bit of freedom, popping up in the backline with a bit of head of steam i reckon 13'd be better, esp if the 12 has a SBW offload in him
KFar
Guest
Plus RTS will have some great support in the coaching team with McDonald and Umaga. Is Dan Carter still helping them out?
I think he's probably ok with the shoulders BD as a FB in League is a bit of a battering ram. My reasoning behind centre rather than wing or FB is his speed. He isnt fast. Also the FB role in League when attacking is often off the 6 which would help him adjust. It will be interesting but I think the young Blues FB Sullivan looked bloody good and BB will be at 10 which is another position ZS could play. It will certainly be interesting to see him play and where they trial him.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
Yeah not sure he'll walk into the AB's in those positions or for the Blues for that matter. No doubt a talented player but he'll have to add to his skill set, defense and fitness but it is fantastic to see him back.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
Fair enough Jacko. 12 would probably be his best bet. However, it is a frequently run channel for back rowers so he'll need to toughen up them shoulders.
KFar
Guest
12 or 13. Maybe wing untill he finds his feet. Really he has proven he can play full back, wing or midfield, so he would be great coverage. Especially off the bench. He's good for his speed and ball skills. Like SBW, the opposition will need to mark up against him all day long and not give him any room. Nonu started out a winger and then moved to the centers.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
RTS one of my favourite league players of the last decade. A great player, person and role model for the game. Hope he kills it in union, he probably will.
Ill suggest 12 BD. Thats where I want to see him anyway. 13 may work too if he can handle the running metres.
Oh of course. He's Australian till he sticks his finger up someone bum then he's Tongan Hehe. Mind you Im not going to claim anything as both codes have some "interesting" humans listed as players and plenty do silly stuff but few sink quite that low...
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Nice one! :stoked: