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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck dismisses calls for return to fullback as he savours new centre role with Warriors
Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck doesn't believe he needs to shift from centre to fullback, despite some calls, including from ex-Kiwis captain Adam Blair, for the side to move him to his original position after their winless start to 2024.
After playing fullback for his entire NRL career, Tuivasa-Sheck was shifted to centre by Andrew Webster for his comeback season with the Warriors, making way for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to continue in his role at the back.
Even with Nicoll-Klokstad currently sidelined with an injury, Tuivasa-Sheck has remained in the middle with Taine Tuaupiki, 24, filling in.
But after losing back-to-back games to open the season, Blair, who played 65 games for the Warriors, recently told Stuff that shifting RTS back to his previous position would give the ex-All Black more chances to shatter opposition defensive lines.
Speaking on Wednesday Tuivasa-Sheck stated neither he nor the coaching staff have any plans to move him back.
"It's been fun, I've been enjoying it out there," he said.
"I've just got to play on the back of our forwards and halves and for me, it's always how can I get better as a centre and how can I get better as a player for my team."
The former Dally M Award winner also shared his thoughts on his former teammates' comments.
"Well, Adam Blair's not the coach, he's just a good friend," he laughed. "I've been enjoying centre."
Tuivasa-Sheck went on to explain he feels much more involved in the game than he did playing at the back, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
"You know in that first game I made 14 tackles and in the second I made 19. I think when I was at fullback I made 15 the whole season," he joked.
"It's about being on the front line and making those tackles, getting on the kick chase and making those back-to-back tackles like I said the body is definitely enjoying it.
"You know I'm closer to the action, I'm right up there in the front line and there is a lot of contact and action up there so I'm definitely enjoying it."
Warriors coach Andrew Webster has also been impressed with Tuivasa-Sheck's first two hitouts in his new position.
"I've loved it. I think playing centre for the first time in the NRL, I think he's done a fantastic job. I've just been rapt with his defence," he said.
"And I reckon in about four or five weeks that the role's going to look better. We'll see him with his hands on the ball more, but at the same stage, you know, he's doing what the team needs doing right now and it's having a real big impact on the side. So we're rapt with the way he's going."
It seems that RTS in the middle, is here to stay.
When the Storm had the ball late in the game on the weekend and the time remaining would typically indicate we should be safe. I was reminded of the Raiders game last year and their crazy come back. I soon went from reminded to getting flashbacks.Good we are playing the in form version of the Raiders. At least no one who understands this comp can logically argue that a Warriors win is not meaningful because it is only the Raiders.
That is rubbish, when they are in form they can be the best attacking team in the comp.
Big test for our defence, exactly what we need to find our mettle.
The Raiders back line will only get stronger this season when Seb Kris and Timoko are both fit and develop more, two power centers that are hard to stop and hit hard.When the Storm had the ball late in the game on the weekend and the time remaining would typically indicate we should be safe. I was reminded of the Raiders game last year and their crazy come back. I soon went from reminded to getting flashbacks.
They have been pretty good this year. Not flash but getting the job done. Round 1 was a good win, the Tigers weren't great but the Raiders took advantage of that. They will be high on confidence so we will need to earn it.
Even if we are in front close to the end. The Storm game and the Raiders game last year mean I'll be more comfortable if we have the ball. Think some of our situation based training may need to include stopping momentum late in the game.
I tihnk we have a dream combo in the making. Roger & Rocco have it all. Both fit, Will develope more as the season progresses also.The Raiders back line will only get stronger this season when Seb Kris and Timoko are both fit and develop more, two power centers that are hard to stop and hit hard.
Bit of a dream combo.
Let's not get too sure of ourselves here. They are 2 from 2 and top of the table, having beaten the Knights away by a good margin. They have a strong pack and a top kicking half in Fogarty.I expect 50 points from us this week. And less from them.
Anything else will be a disappointment.
yeah, i'm with you on this - it will be a round of truth this week: are we as good as we think we are? (yes) are the dragons actually shit? (probably) are the bunnies an easter basket-case? ('but they have great juniors') etc.I expect 50 points from us this week. And less from them.
Anything else will be a disappointment.
It's not meant to rain, it never was, metservice was just up the shit lolIt'll be a good one,but I hope (and foolishly, expect..) this game first more into the 2013/2014 category than the heroics needed for the others lol
Nvm, it’s meant to be raining, we’re fucked lol
It's not meant to rain, it never was, metservice was just up the shit lol