Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shrugs off contract speculation

He is a man in high demand and New Zealand Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck joked "he must be doing something good" with so many potential suitors lining up for his signature.

Tuivasa-Sheck, who is off contract at the end of the 2018 Telstra Premiership season, has been linked to a move to rugby union or a rival NRL club.

The star fullback said the media spotlight had not disrupted his pre-season, nor taken the focus away from his personal preparations as the Warriors prepare for their first trial against the Melbourne Storm next Saturday in Rotorua.

"It's just a part of the NRL, I'm off contract and everyone wants to know what's going to happen and I'm the same, I want to nail it down but at the same time I have to make sure I am making the right decision for myself and my family," Tuivasa-Sheck said.

"I think the noise is a good thing. I must be doing something good but for now I'm focusing on round one and the time will come for when it's time to make a decision.

"I just turn up and get ready for what's ahead – prepare for the first trial. My manager will sort all that other stuff out."

While most of the recent news around Tuivasa-Sheck has related to his off-field movements, on the paddock he has been busy working on his combination with the new halves pairing of Shaun Johnson and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recruit Blake Green.

"The combo is coming along nicely. Greeny brings a lot to our team and it has been going really good," Tuivasa Sheck said.

"I've been trying to link in and learn more off the new guys like Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Blake Green, all those players have been playing in top-four footy and that's where we want to be."

The new-look spine, which will also feature hooker Issac Luke, might have to wait a little longer than expected to get their first proper run together.

Johnson is still recovering from minor eye surgery but did train with the team on Thursday – though he wore protective sunglasses throughout the session. 

Warriors fans have heard pre-season promises about a new culture and a turnaround in fortunes for several years but the skipper firmly believes they can live up to their potential this time around.

"I feel that's been the issue every year – we turn up saying we are going to win every year but I feel like we are really putting in the work now," he said.

"We're not going to hype it up, we'll let our actions do the talking and hopefully the fans can jump on board and enjoy what we are doing."

 

Author: 
www.nrl.com