New Zealand Warriors sign Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back from All Blacks

Just weeks after Joseph Suaalii signed with Rugby Australia, the NRL has lured back a former Dally M winner in the latest shot in the code war.

Tuivasa-Sheck is coming back to rugby league. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

The NRL has struck back in the rugby code war, luring back former Dally M Medallist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from 2024.

Tuivasa-Sheck was the Warriors’ inspirational leader during the Covid crisis but shocked the NRL when he revealed at the end of the 2021 season that he was going to try his hand at rugby union.

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Tuivasa-Sheck was hoping to make the All Blacks squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup but has been unable to nail down a spot on the team, tallying three matches for the rugby powerhouse.

While he’ll play out the remainder of the season with the Auckland Blues, the Warriors revealed he had signed on for a three-year deal back in the NRL from next season.

It’s good timing for Tuivasa-Sheck, with the Warriors currently sitting in third and seemingly having turned a corner under rookie coach Andrew Webster.

The coach was looking forward to adding the superstar to his side.

“Roger came to the club in my second season as an assistant coach in 2016 and he had a huge impact on the squad,” Webster said.

“That first year was cut short by his ACL injury but it was brilliant working with him. I’m super excited knowing he’s coming back to the club.”

Tuivasa-Sheck is coming back to the NRL. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Warriors CEO Cameron George also trumpeted the announcement.

“It’s hugely exciting knowing Roger is coming back to us, back to his home at Mount Smart Stadium,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.

“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.

“He’s popular with the players and a real fan favourite. It’s going to be so good seeing him back in our jersey.”

Tuivasa-Sheck played 195 games in the NRL before leaving and almost as soon as he walked away from the game, he was linked to a move back.

Links to the Roosters, the club he started his career with, while the Dolphins were also in the conversation, as the club is linked with most high-profile stars.

But he will return to the club he led as captain in more than 100 NRL matches.

The news is big for the NRL as it’s currently trying to fight off Rugby Australia, who signed Joseph Suaalii last month, and are coveting other players, including Broncos big man Payne Haas.