NRL 2024: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck opens up on Warriors comeback, premiership hopes

He left as one of the games’ most dangerous players, but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck admits he’s back to square one, as he aims to win a historic premiership with New Zealand in his NRL comeback.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back training with the Warriors after his return from rugby union. Credit: Instagram.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is starting from scratch, on a mission to prove he can climb back to the top of the NRL.

Nothing given. Everything to prove. It’s the mindset you would expect from a champion.

Think Michael Jordan’s comeback with the Chicago Bulls in 1995 and Tiger Woods’ Masters return victory in 2019.

The official comeback of Tuivasa-Sheck, the 2018 Dally M winner, 2019 Golden Boot Winner and 2020 Dally M captain of the year, began last Friday.

The 30-year-old, who has spent the past two years playing rugby union with the Auckland Blues and included 12 Test caps with the All Blacks, has signed a three-year deal with the Warriors from 2024.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is back at the Warriors, after leaving the club in 2021 in a bid to play for the All Blacks. Picture: Instagram.

Truth be told, his comeback began unofficially several weeks ago.

It’s what you would expect from a footballer, who not so long ago, was revered as the most lethal player in the game.

“I’ve been back a few weeks now, I couldn’t help myself,” Tuivasa-Sheck told The Sunday Telegraph.

“On the quiet I’ve been going in and doing some training sessions with (Warriors teammates) Jazz Tevaga and Chanel Harris-Tavita.

“I wanted to get a taste of it, because I really want to turn up and hit the ground running.

“Being back in the NRL and the club, I’m just so excited. So pumped.‘’

Tuivasa-Sheck is preparing to be brutal on himself.

“It’s fair to say that I have to prove myself all over again,” Tuivasa-Sheck, who won the 2013 premiership with the Roosters, said.

He won the premiership with the Roosters in 2013, but Tuivasa-Sheck admits he needs to prove himself all over again. Picture Gregg Porteous

“That’s one thing that me and Webby (coach Andrew Webster) spoke about. He’s encouraged me to come in and be that kid again.

“Be that young excited rookie and be a sponge, who is ready and willing to learn.

“That’s what I’m really excited about because I do have to prove myself.

“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 added that his comeback mission was driven by a deep desire to win a premiership with the Warriors.

He said the club’s preliminary final experience of 2023 should only make the entire squad hungrier in 2024.

“That’s exactly what I’m hoping the boys mindset is,” Tuivasa-Sheck said.

“I want to go in and understand what is driving them? What got them there?

“All the reports coming back were how awesome Webby was, so that’s what I’m excited about.

Tuivasa-Sheck’s move to Rugby Union was mixed, achieving his dream of playing for the All Blacks, but earning just three call ups. Picture: Getty Images

“I want to try and add to what they’re trying to do.‘’

At the original meeting last December with Webster that led to Tuivasa-Sheck signing with the Warriors, the brilliant fullback was shown footage of Roosters centre Joey Manu.

Tuivasa-Sheck has only ever played fullback, wing and five-eighth across his 195 NRL appearances.

Yet Webster has a plan for Tuivasa-Sheck to play in the centres for the Warriors with a similar licence to roam like Manu does for the Roosters.

“That’s what Webby and I originally spoke about,” Tuivasa-Sheck said.

“That was one of the attractions in me coming back to hopefully play that role.

“But you just never know, coming into the pre-season. I’ve firstly got to put my hand up to make that squad and secondly, try and learn it as quickly as I can.

“I want to get back into rugby league as quick as I can.

“I want to play as many trial games as I can leading into it. I’m ready to do everything that is required to add to this team.”