Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s return to the Warriors was one of the many eye-catching headlines to emerge from their 2023 NRL season.
The Auckland club rode the wave of a preliminary final appearance, a swell in home support and were set to welcome home one of their favourite sons.
Coach Andrew Webster was quick to establish that Tuivasa-Sheck’s role lies in the centres and that Charnze Nickol-Klokstad and Taine Tuaupiki would be the preferred options at fullback.
It hasn’t been the dream return Warriors fans, Tuivasa-Sheck and Webster may have wanted but the coach says it’s his responsibility to get the best out of his star.
With the Warriors struggling for the same consistency as 2023 and the former Dally M medallist having to learn the demanding positional requirements of an NRL centre, there have been clamours from fans for Tuivasa-Sheck to return to the position in which he won that Dally M medal: fullback.
In 11 appearances this season, Tuivasa-Sheck has three tries, one assist, 50 broken tackles and four line breaks while running for an average of 168 metres per game.
These numbers, while hampered by a five-week absence due to a hamstring injury, present a base sample size in which it could be alleged that the Warriors are not getting the best out of him.
In the 32-16 win over the Broncos on Saturday, there were glimpses of what Tuivasa-Sheck can offer as a centre, particularly in his combination with half Te Maire Martin, who turned out another commanding performance in the absence of Shaun Johnson.
Webster said the performance was pleasing and that he hoped the promising signs would continue.
“I thought Rodge did his job on the weekend, I thought things went in the right direction. I’ve been pretty open and I honest that I don’t feel like I’ve made it work as well as I could.
“The plan is to get there with it and get him involved and get him what he wants,” Webster said to media on Tuesday.
Against the Broncos, Tuivasa-Sheck ran for 125 metres, including 50 post-contact, scored a try and made 16 tWebster said that he recognises things haven’t gelled as quickly as may have been expected but was pleased with the glimpses Tuivasa-Sheck has shown.ackles while only missing three.
