NRL: Why coach Andrew Webster doesn't want to see Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as NZ Warriors' fullback - for now

Despite being one of the best fullbacks in NZ Warriors history, coach Andrew Webster is hoping he won't have to see Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the No.1 jersey just yet.  

Now back in Warriors colours after a stint in rugby union with the Blues, Auckland and the All Blacks, Tuivasa-Sheck returned to rugby league with aplomb last weekend, playing at centre in an 18-16 pre-season defeat to Wests Tigers.  

In his first stint at Mt Smart, Tuivasa-Sheck was among the best fullbacks in the NRL, and was awarded the NRL's Dally M medal in 2018 as a result - the first Warriors player to receive the honour.

However, during his time away Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad hasn't put a foot wrong as the Warriors' number one No.1 and has been backed by Webster to continue there, forcing Tuivasa-Sheck infield.  

But despite his performances in the Warriors' 2023 campaign, the 28-year-old has been hit by a hamstring injury and will be out of action until round four at the earliest.  

This weekend, when the Warriors face the Dolphins in their second and final pre-season trial, Tuivasa-Sheck will remain in the centres, while Taine Tuaupiki slots in at fullback.  

Tuaupiki, 24, deputised for Nicoll-Klokstad when needed in 2023, and didn't look out of place in the NRL, despite only playing five times.  

But now, as the start of the season approaches, Webster has made it clear that while Tuivasa-Sheck might be needed at fullback at some point, Tuaupiki has the first chance to make the spot his own in Nicoll-Klokstad's absence.  

"Taine's it [fullback]," said Webster. "I've said that from day one, I told Taine that last year, I told Roger that.

"I do believe if Taine wasn't available for selection as well, for whatever reason, Roger would have to do a job there.  

"That's not to say we won't see Rog at some capacity at some stage there, but I'm hoping we don't have to. Because then [it means] everyone's fit.  

"That's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. It would be mad not to give Rog an opportunity at that, and give him some reps at some stage.  

"Because that could happen as a backup, backup."  

Instead, Tuivasa-Sheck will continue at centre, having seemingly displaced Adam Pompey - who himself played all but a few minutes of 2023 - in the No.4 jersey.  

In particular, Tuivasa-Sheck has the chance to continue to build his combination on the left edge with winger Marcelo Montoya, with the other side being filled by Rocco Berry and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.  

But showing the quality of a Dally M winner, Tuivasa-Sheck didn't look out of place for one second.  

In 60 minutes, he made 14 runs for 134 metres gained, to go with two tackle breaks and one offload.  

That form has his coach convinced he's made the right call in moving the 30-year-old into the centres. 

"[He was] awesome, I thought he played great," he added. "I thought he took his opportunities well, had some good carries.  

"He got to show his flare, and come up with a ripper of a tackle [to] force an error.  

"I'm pumped for Rog, he was great." 

Despite being one of the best fullbacks in NZ Warriors history, coach Andrew Webster is hoping he won't have to see Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the No.1 jersey just yet.  

Now back in Warriors colours after a stint in rugby union with the Blues, Auckland and the All Blacks, Tuivasa-Sheck returned to rugby league with aplomb last weekend, playing at centre in an 18-16 pre-season defeat to Wests Tigers.  

In his first stint at Mt Smart, Tuivasa-Sheck was among the best fullbacks in the NRL, and was awarded the NRL's Dally M medal in 2018 as a result - the first Warriors player to receive the honour.

However, during his time away Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad hasn't put a foot wrong as the Warriors' number one No.1 and has been backed by Webster to continue there, forcing Tuivasa-Sheck infield.  

But despite his performances in the Warriors' 2023 campaign, the 28-year-old has been hit by a hamstring injury and will be out of action until round four at the earliest.  

This weekend, when the Warriors face the Dolphins in their second and final pre-season trial, Tuivasa-Sheck will remain in the centres, while Taine Tuaupiki slots in at fullback.  

Tuaupiki, 24, deputised for Nicoll-Klokstad when needed in 2023, and didn't look out of place in the NRL, despite only playing five times.  

But now, as the start of the season approaches, Webster has made it clear that while Tuivasa-Sheck might be needed at fullback at some point, Tuaupiki has the first chance to make the spot his own in Nicoll-Klokstad's absence.  

"Taine's it [fullback]," said Webster. "I've said that from day one, I told Taine that last year, I told Roger that.

"I do believe if Taine wasn't available for selection as well, for whatever reason, Roger would have to do a job there.  

"That's not to say we won't see Rog at some capacity at some stage there, but I'm hoping we don't have to. Because then [it means] everyone's fit.  

"That's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. It would be mad not to give Rog an opportunity at that, and give him some reps at some stage.  

"Because that could happen as a backup, backup."  

Instead, Tuivasa-Sheck will continue at centre, having seemingly displaced Adam Pompey - who himself played all but a few minutes of 2023 - in the No.4 jersey.  

In particular, Tuivasa-Sheck has the chance to continue to build his combination on the left edge with winger Marcelo Montoya, with the other side being filled by Rocco Berry and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.  

But showing the quality of a Dally M winner, Tuivasa-Sheck didn't look out of place for one second.  

In 60 minutes, he made 14 runs for 134 metres gained, to go with two tackle breaks and one offload.  

That form has his coach convinced he's made the right call in moving the 30-year-old into the centres. 

"[He was] awesome, I thought he played great," he added. "I thought he took his opportunities well, had some good carries.  

"He got to show his flare, and come up with a ripper of a tackle [to] force an error.  

"I'm pumped for Rog, he was great." 

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.