NRL: New Zealand Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck reportedly considering switch to rugby union

A former Dally M winner is reportedly considering a blockbuster switch away from the NRL in what would be a big blow for the league.

New Zealand Warriors captain is Roger Tuivasa-Sheck reportedly considering switching codes and joining a Super Rugby franchise.

In a bombshell report, New Zealand Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly eyeing a move to rugby union.

As first revealed by The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis, Tuivasa-Sheck and senior forward Tohu Harris are considering switching codes after he was approached by the Auckland Blues.

According to the report, the Super Rugby powerhouse club is also pursuing Jack de Belin and are expected to make a play for Tevita Pangai Jr.

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Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly anxious about the club’s future, and would only leave the NRL if the squad were unable to return to New Zealand throughout the 2021 premiership.

The 27-year-old has a wife and two children waiting for him across the Tasman — he is the only New Zealander in the Warriors’ camp without his family.

If travel restrictions aren’t lifted, Redcliffe in Queensland is being touted as a potential hub for the Warriors next season, and Daily Telegraph journalist Paul Kent warned several players may jump ship in the off-season as a result.

“He is looking at getting out. If they go to Redcliffe next year (he wants) to go and play rugby for someone in New Zealand. He doesn’t want to be away from his family for another 12 months,” Kent said on Fox League’s NRL 360.

The Warriors skipper still has two years remaining on his NRL contract, which is worth more than $1 million per year. The Blues would not be able to offer anything near that figure, but Tuivasa-Sheck may be willing to cop the pay cut.

“He would be on about half that to go back to rugby in New Zealand. But such is his determination to be in New Zealand playing next year it’s a consideration,” Kent said.

Fox Sports presenter Lara Pitt responded: “I spoke to his manager and he denies that there has been any approach from rugby. But what he was happy to say was that he did play national rugby at schoolboy level. That’s where he started.

“If you’re rugby, as if you wouldn’t be looking at the Warriors and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. There are about 10 to 12 players on their roster that might seriously be reconsidering their own future at the end of this year.”

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has scored 22 tries in 88 NRL matches with the New Zealand Warriors.

Tuivasa-Sheck won the Dally M Medal in 2018, becoming the first Warriors player to do so. He has established himself as the face of the Warriors since he signed with the club in 2016.

Earlier this month, Warriors interim coach Todd Payten confirmed it has been a “tough” season for Tuivasa-Sheck away from his family.

“He’s probably doing it the toughest out of all of us to be fair. He’s the only Kiwi over here without his family and he’s got two babies under three so I know he’s not content,” Payten said.

“He’s a little bit muddled with his feelings, he’s always on the phone, and it’s tough for him. He’s got to lead a club, he’s got to lead a footy team and some days I can just see the burden he carries on his shoulders.

“I made the decision to bring my family over and I told him it’s been a weight off my shoulders and I think you should do the same.

“I know his family’s got family at home which is really good help. But I know how I feel and there are days when you need them around. He’s said it openly that his family makes him happy.

“I’m just proud that he’s doing what he’s doing.”

Last week, the Warriors confirmed the appointment of new head coach Nathan Brown, along with Phil Gould as a consultant.

Currently sitting in 11th spot on the NRL ladder, the Warriors will take on the Penrith Panthers on Friday for their next fixture.