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RTS wings it: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shines in new role as Warriors tune up for Vegas with huge win over the Storm

A veteran starred on the wing and a young gun did his best to win a starting spot as the Warriors thrashed Melbourne before they head off to Vegas.

Martin Gabor
3 min read
February 15, 2025 - 3:52PM
NewsWire
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The Warriors have been the trendy pick for the wooden spoon, but they might be a bit better than people think after Luke Metcalf inspired them to a thumping 36-10 over a depleted Storm side who unleashed Stefano Utoikamanu for the first time.

The loss of Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris was supposed to ruin the Warriors in 2025, but Luke Metcalf showed yet again that he can be the man to replace the legendary halfback in the No.7 jersey.

After a couple of injury-ravaged seasons, Metcalf is ready to live up to his potential with the playmaker nailing his second 40/20 in as many games as he cut the Storm’s edge defence to ribbons with his speed and ability to straighten the attack.

He doesn’t have the flashy moves that made Johnson a fan favourite for so long, but he’ll be fine as long as his forwards lay a platform and his exciting outside backs continue to ice their chances as they did on Saturday.

Ali Leiataua will be pushing for a starting spot after a dominant display at right centre. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Ali Leiataua will be pushing for a starting spot after a dominant display at right centre. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Combinations

Andrew Webster changed up his halves with Chanel Harris-Tavita playing at five-eighth in the first half alongside Metcalf, with Te Maire Martin shifting to fullback.

Martin and Metcalf will likely be the halves in Vegas, but Webster got a good look at the depth with Harris-Tavita scoring a try and having a role in another as he looked good on the left.

There’s not much to say about the Storm’s attack given most of these guys won’t be in first grade, but Tyran Wishart would’ve been disappointed with a couple of errors, while Sua Fa’alogo was kept quiet but did break loose before half-time.

Recruit Watch

Utoikamanu got involved with the first carry of the afternoon, but that’s as good as it got for Melbourne’s key signing in the first half after he finished with two runs for 16 metres as his side enjoyed just 30 per cent of the ball.

The former Tiger is supposed to be the final piece of the puzzle who can take the Storm one step further than their grand final run last year, and he showed why with a dominant second stint as he finished with 110 metres.

He has the size, footwork and motor to be a difference maker in the middle when he runs out alongside Nelson Asofa-Solomona, while Erin Clark feasted with 89 metres in his first stint in his return to the Warriors.

Rookie Watch 

He’s technically not a rookie anymore, but keep an eye out for Ali Leiataua this season after the young gun dominated the Storm in the first half.

The Warriors centre has played seven NRL matches but looks set to become a household name after he torched the minor premiers with two tries, five tackles busts and a couple of assists in the first half.

His lightning quick hands saw Taine Tuaupiki cross for the first of his two tries after just two minutes, before the powerful centre bullied Melbourne’s inexperienced outside backs to grab a double of his own.

Webster would’ve also liked what he saw from some of the young forwards, including Leka Halasima who will learn plenty from James Fisher-Harris.

Hot Take

Roosters fans will recall Roger Tuivasa-Sheck breaking ankles to score a stunning try against the Storm in 2014.

More than a decade later, he was at it again to leave Fa’alogo clutching thin air after he was on the receiving end of some flashy footwork for once.

The veteran’s time at fullback is probably up given the Warriors have plenty of depth in that position, but he’ll prove a headache on the wing, with Tuivasa-Sheck to finish 2025 in the top three for most metres made by wingers.

Final Say 

It’s hard to imagine Chiefs fans watching a replay of the Super Bowl, and it’s highly unlikely Storm players will have to sit through video of Saturday’s clash.

Last year’s grand finalists will take absolutely nothing out of this game, with their superstars fully focused on going one better in 2025.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/rts-wings-it-roger-tuivasasheck-shines-in-new-role-as-warriors-tune-up-for-vegas-with-huge-win-over-the-storm/news-story/97a88d8eee8d843dfac3a39e15baf0b1