Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is set to make a surprising return to the Warriors next season, having signed a three-year deal with the NRL club. This decision marks the end of his rugby union career, where he didn’t achieve the success he had hoped for. Tuivasa-Sheck previously played for the Warriors from 2016 until mid-2021 before leaving to play rugby in New Zealand. His return is a significant win for the Warriors, though it wasn’t entirely unexpected that he would leave the Blues and New Zealand Rugby.
Tuivasa-Sheck, who is a three-time winner of the Simon Mannering Medal as the Warriors’ best player, announced his decision to avoid speculation about his future becoming a distraction at the Blues. He expressed gratitude for his time with the Blues and emphasized his commitment to finishing the current season strongly before shifting focus to his future with the Warriors.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald praised Tuivasa-Sheck for his contributions and work ethic, noting his importance to the team despite an injury this season. There had been rumors of Tuivasa-Sheck moving to Japan for a lucrative deal or rejoining an NRL club like the Roosters or Dolphins, but he ultimately decided to fulfill a promise he made to return to the Warriors if he ever came back to rugby league.
Warriors CEO Cameron George expressed excitement about Tuivasa-Sheck’s return, highlighting his popularity and leadership qualities. The club’s general manager, Andrew McFadden, and head coach, Andrew Webster, also welcomed the move, with Webster noting the impact Tuivasa-Sheck had during his previous stint with the Warriors. His return may lead to positional adjustments within the team, particularly for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who could find himself playing at center or wing.
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