Injured Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s try-saver stuns the NRL world
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck somehow ignored serious injury to produce an all-time moment of magic in the Warriors’ narrow win over the Roosters.
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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck pulled off one of the biggest moments in the Warriors’ 14-6 victory over the Sydney Roosters on Friday night – and he did it with a torn hamstring.
In a moment of courage that should join the long list of extraordinary NRL moments in the face of injury, the veteran winger’s try-saving tackle on the Roosters’ Dom Young proved pivotal in a slugfest of a game.
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And coach Andrew Webster revealed after the game he did it shortly after tearing his hamstring.
A couple of minutes prior to his stunning moment and with his side trailing 6-4, Tuivasa-Sheck pulled off two tackles inside the Roosters’ half.
He pulled up sore and looked proppy as Roosters halfback Chad Townsend pulled off a 40-20 kick.
The 31-year-old Kiwi could barely get himself back into the defensive line but stayed on the field, pulling off a last-ditch tackle by grabbing Young’s left leg and forcing him into touch when he looked likely to score.
Watch the try-saving tackle in the video player above
In such a tight game when tries were at a premium, it was an incredible moment from the dual code international and should join the likes of John Sattler’s broken jaw and Sam Burgess’ fractured cheekbone in rugby league folklore.
“It was really tough, I’m really proud of the boys,” Webster said post-match. “They went for a 40-20, Roger had already torn his hamstring.
“He misses the 40-20 because he can’t (get back in time) and then he gets back and makes a try-saving tackle in the corner when his hamstring’s already gone.
“Those big plays, they were happening everywhere and you need them.
“You can’t just come out and have everything be fluffy all the time and be clinical with every play.
“You’ve got to earn it and be tough and find a way against a good club.”
Tuivasa-Sheck, who began his career with the Roosters before two stints in New Zealand and a switch to rugby union, also earned the praise of his former coach Trent Robinson.
“That’s the Rooster in him,” Robinson joked. “It would’ve been nice to ice that (try) but that’s Rog for you.
“He’s a good man, a great player and selfless, and those types of players come up with those plays.”
During the game, Steve Roach said “great tackle” as Tuivasa-Sheck nailed the try-saver before it dawned on the Fox League team he’d hurt himself.
“Tuivasa-Sheck on this left hand side of the field, has he picked up an injury here?” Warren Smith asked.
“He has and he’s leaving the field.
“He’s had a history of lower leg injuries, hamstring and calf muscle strains in his career.
“There is the forlorn sight of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck limping his way up the tunnel.
“That is a real shame for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
“That’s a great shame for this game and ongoing for “Rocket” Roger.”
Sideline reporter Courtney Tairi confirmed the news a short time later.
“Look it’s not good for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. He will not return to the game tonight,” she said.
“He has pulled his hammy.
“They have iced it up and he’s back on the bench, but he will not return at all.”
The NRL world was left stunned by the courageous effort, including some reporters at the ground.
Sports writer Michael Burgess tweeted: “Amazing effort. Andrew Webster just told us that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had already done his hamstring before he made the try saving tackle on Dom Young when he got concussed.”
Ben Francis offered: “Warriors coach Andrew Webster has revealed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck injured his hamstring on a play prior to his try-saving tackle on Dom Young! That was a game changing moment in a gutsy 14-6 win over the Roosters.”
His heroics played a key part in the Warriors’ win, with Tuivasa-Sheck now set for an extended stint on the sidelines.
Originally published as Injured Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s try-saver stuns the NRL world
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