1
First it was Ngani Laumape, now Matt Duffie will become the next former NRL star to pull on an All Black jersey in 2017.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, if rumors are to be believed, they may both be followed by an even bigger name in the 13-man code: Warriors and Kiwis fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The 24-year-old is said to have expressed a desire to return to rugby union, in which he gained selection for the NZ Schoolboys side in 2011. After leaving school he was signed by NRL club the Sydney Roosters, winning a premiership title in 2013. After 84 games and 28 tries for the Roosters, he returned home to Auckland to play for the Warriors for the past two years.
Tuivasa-Sheck has since found himself being one of the few highlights of the Warriors woeful 2016/17 campaigns.
Fairfax media reported that Tuivasa-Sheck’s manager Bruce Sharrock had confirmed a code-switch was on the cards.
“It’s entered discussions, I’m not going to deny that. That’s his background, the All Blacks are a world-recognised team with an amazing success rate. If you thought you were good enough to be a part of it, it’s not a bad ship to be a part of.”
Whatever the decision is, it seems as though one will be made in the near future.
“He’s at a stage in his career where if he is going to [switch codes], it’s probably going to be sooner rather than later. Not many people can shift later in their career, it makes it very tough.” Sharrock said.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, Tuivasa-Sheck was in no mood to talk about the rumors after the Kiwis’ 38-8 win over Toa Samoa last night at Mt Smart Stadium though, which was their opening match of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
“I don’t really have anything towards it, not disappointed or happy. Just happy to be here, proud to be a Kiwi and trying to get better here before I look anywhere else. Can we keep it about the game?” he told reporters.
