RTS ‘back where he belongs’

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scores for the Warriors
Photo: Photosport

Former Warriors captain Adam Blair says Roger Tuivasa Sheck is “back where he belongs”.

Tuivasa-Sheck will return to the rugby league club next season on a three-year deal, bringing to an end his switch to union in which he has so far played only three tests for the All Blacks.

He wanted to play in a Rugby World Cup but that hope now seems forlorn as while he will playout the year with the Blues he appears too far down the All Blacks midfield pecking order to make it to France.

Blair who played alongside Tuivasa-Sheck for both the Warriors and the Kiwis before his move to rugby union in 2021 described the news as “absolutely fantastic” for the club and for the fans.

Former Warriors captain Adam Blair, played more NRL games than any other New Zealand player.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

“He’s back where he belongs and it’s great that he put the Warriors first because I am sure that every other NRL club (would have wanted him) but he chose the Warriors,” said Blair.

Blair was circumspect as why he thought Tuivasa-Sheck’s union career hadn’t been as successful as he would have hoped.

“I know he would have given (union) a hundred percent… and if you give it your best and you’re just not good enough then at least you can say you gave it a crack.”

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has played three tests for the All Blacks.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

“I thought he had some great games for the Blues, (and) he had a couple of opportunities to be an All Black… everyone wants to be in a World Cup for the All Blacks and he may have just falled short or maybe he can still make it”.

Blair thought the Warriors finally being based back at home in Auckland had played a part in Tuivasa-Sheck’s return to league.

“We’re home and we’re settled. When we were away with Covid there was so much uncertainty, but now there is an opportunity to be at home and play at home and I think he has been watching from afar and (seeing) all the crowds turning up and watching the Warriors and seeing them going so well and he just wants to be back out there.

Blair said he would like to see Tuivasa Sheck play in the centres rather than at fullback when he returns to the club.

“You can put Roger anywhere on the field and he will succeed.

“He’s a strike player. He’s got great feet, he got great skills, there’s an opportunity to get him into a position where he’s got some one on ones with some early ball in the centres – but I think he can play anywhere.”

-RNZ