Roger Tuivasa-Sheck makes eye-opening admission amid NRL return
The returning star says he must prove himself again after a stint in rugby.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck left the NRL as one of the games' top players but admits that he is back to square one as he makes his Warriors return. The former Dally M Medalist says he must prove himself once again as he rejoins New Zealand in 2024 and has his sights set on winning a historic premiership with the club.
The 30-year-old made a switch to rugby union at the end of 2021 and earned himself three caps for the All Blacks in his time away. Ahead of his highly anticipated return to rugby league, Tuivasa-Sheck says he still has more to achieve.
'TOP TARGET': Shane Flanagan in huge admission over ideal halfback
'IT RATTLED ME': Latrell's revelation about Sam Burgess amid injury claim
"It's fair to say that I have to prove myself all over again... That’s what I’m really excited about because I do have to prove myself," Tuivasa-Sheck told The Daily Telegraph. "That’s one thing that me and Webby (Warriors coach Andrew Webster) spoke about. He’s encouraged me to come in and be that kid again.
"I've been absent for two years from this place and last year, watching them from afar, they’ve (Warriors) been awesome. So I’m excited to see first-hand what the environment is and learn again."
Tuivasa-Sheck returned to pre-season training early as he said he was "so excited" to return to the NRL and wants to hit the ground running. The Warriors had a breakout season last year, falling just short of a spot in the Grand Final and the signing of the Kiwi international on a three-year deal is expected to only enhance their chances of securing their first NRL premiership.
Coach Andrew Webster is set to deploy Tuivasa-Sheck in the centres despite him making his name at fullback, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad retaining the No.1 jersey. The Warriors fullback insisted when Tuivasa-Sheck signed that he would not be giving up his spot for the returning Kiwi.
"I'm a fullback. I came here without a doubt in my mind that I am just a fullback, I’m not a fullback utility, I’m not playing centre or winger," Nicoll-Klokstad told NRL.com in May.
"I allow me playing centre internationally because that’s a dream of mine to play for the Kiwis, so that's the only time I have allowed that. As far as I am aware I am the fullback of the Warriors and it's up to me to make sure that I am playing consistent footy."
Kurt Capewell to make sudden exit from the Broncos
Broncos forward Kurt Capewell has been linked with a shock switch to the Warriors after visiting New Zealand over the weekend, despite having a deal with the Broncos until the end of the 2024 season. While he was expected to travel to the US for the opening round of the NRL, Capewell has now been linked to a move to the Warriors where he would join coach Andrew Webster on a three-year deal, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Capewell toured the New Zealand Warriors facilities, according to the publication, and they are pushing to sign him immediately. The Warriors lost Josh Curran to the Bulldogs and are expected to see Addin Fonua-Blake leave at the end of 2024. Therefore, Webster's Warriors are searching for reinforcements and Capewell is understood to be a top target, with the New Zealand coach's relationship with Capewell from their time together at the Panthers a selling point.
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
