NRL 2023: All Black Roger Tuivasa-Sheck signs with Warriors
As the rugby league community reacts to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s shock NRL return, Peter V’landys has praised the Warriors for producing one of the biggest signing coup’s in the club’s history.
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A thrilled Peter V’landys has praised the Warriors for producing one of the biggest signing coup’s in the club’s history by luring dual international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back to the NRL.
Tuivasa-Sheck’s shock decision to leave rugby union after two years and return to rugby league has been secured amid a major poaching war between the two codes.
“They should change the name of rugby union to rugby boomerang, because they always come back,’’ V’landys said.
“Here is one of the world’s most brilliant footballers choosing the NRL.
“This is just another reason why rugby league is the greatest game of all
“The Warriors deserve all the credit, well done Cameron George (CEO) and Mark Robinson (owner), they’ve just ensured millions of eye balls will be watching and cheering on the Warriors.’’
As first revealed by News Corp, the Warriors will welcome Tuivasa-Sheck back “home’ for the next three years.
He will join the Warriors for the 2024 season.
His two-year contract with Super Rugby franchise the Auckland Blues expires at the end of 2023, while he also has ambitions to represent the All Blacks at the World Cup in September.
The 29-year-old remains in the frame for New Zealand’s World Cup squad but has been out injured since mid-March due to a hand injury.
News of Tuivasa-Sheck’s return was met with widespread shock and excitement from the rugby league community.
Warriors star Shaun Johnson suggested Tuivasa-Sheck return to the NRL immediately.
“I reckon just come now ay. Welcome home bro,’’ Johnson wrote on Tuivasa-Sheck’s Instagram page.
In anticipation for Tuivasa-Sheck’s lethal footwork, Sharks forward Braden Hamlin-Uele wrote: “Back to strapping my ankles.’’
The secrecy behind the execution of the deal is an extraordinary testament to the current Warriors executive team, led by George and Robinson.
The return of Tuivasa-Sheck is not only of major significance to the Warriors, but the NRL who have scored in their battle with the ARU following Roosters star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s defection to rugby union.
Tuivasa-Sheck joined the Blues following a storied NRL career which included being a Dally M Medalist (2018), captain of the year (2020), winger of the year (2013) and premiership winner (Roosters 2013).
One of the most athletically-gifted talents, with devastating power and footwork, Tuivasa-Sheck played more than 200 first grade games, including 20 games for the New Zealand Kiwis.
“It’s hugely exciting knowing Roger is coming back to us, back to his home at Mt Smart Stadium,” George said.
“When he went to rugby union he did so knowing he was always welcome back here if he wished to return to rugby league. We couldn’t be more delighted it’s happening.”
Andrew McFadden, the club’s general manager of recruitment, pathways and development added: “Roger is such a high-quality person and leader who will add another layer to our squad with his enthusiasm, experience, skill and professionalism.
“He’ll be a tremendous mentor for our younger players while he’ll also bring in a fresh perspective after spending time in rugby union.”
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Originally published as NRL 2023: All Black Roger Tuivasa-Sheck signs with Warriors
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