Roger Tuivasa-Sheck considering code switch as angst grows among New Zealand Warriors players
Skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is considering a shock code switch and he isn’t the only Warriors player thinking about exiting the embattled club.
NRL
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The Warriors are on the brink of disaster with their most senior players, including Tohu Harris and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, considering their futures at the embattled club in a dramatic move which could lead to Tuivasa-Sheck switching codes.
Super Rugby side Auckland Blues have reached out to Tuivasa-Sheck while a host of NRL rivals are also circling the Warriors skipper and Harris aware of their growing angst regrading the Warriors future.
Their major concern is the uncertainty around where the team will be based next season given the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. It is understood they would only consider leaving the club if they are unable to return to Auckland.
The Blues are considered the most likely destination for Tuivasa-Sheck should he opt out of the final two years of his deal, which is worth $2 million.
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On Wednesday, Warriors boss Cameron George would only say he was not aware of any player wanting out.
The Warriors have made contingency plans to base themselves at Redcliffe next year if they are unable to return to play out of Auckland. It has left a host of players considering their futures and could lead to them fighting the validity of the playing contract considering they only joined the club to base themselves in Auckland.
Put simply, the players cannot do another season apart from their loved ones. The likes of wingers Ken Maumalo and David Fusitu’a have already returned home and would attract plenty of interest from rival clubs should they seek an exit.
While the appointments of Nathan Brown and Phil Gould have helped settle the angst of the Kiwis’ best players, there is still an apprehension about their futures in the game.
Tuivasa-Sheck came close to switching codes two years ago before inking a deal to remain at the Warriors until 2023.
He is their most important player and the face of the club. While publicly Tuivasa-Sheck has continued to put on a brave face, interim coach Todd Payten recently said his skipper was “doing it probably the toughest” of all the players with his young family at home.
Harris, 28, has one year remaining on the four-year deal he inked to join the club from Melbourne. The Warriors have been boosted by the recent signings of St George Illawarra centre Euan Aitken and Parramatta prop Kane Evans next season. Evans’ deal is for the next two years.
“Kane is a really important signing for us as he brings the size, leg speed and aggression that we are looking to add to our pack,” said Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.
“With Ben Murdoch-Masila coming, the rise of young Eliesa Katoa, Jack Murchie joining us and now Kane it dramatically changes the dynamics of the squad.
“Kane always played in winning teams during his junior days and he brings that winning culture with him.”
They are also pursuing Jack de Belin and are expected to make a play for Tevita Pangai Jr.
Meanwhile, the Warriors missed out on Bulldogs back-rower Adam Elliott, who has opted to stay in Belmore for the next three years.
Originally published as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck considering code switch as angst grows among New Zealand Warriors players