The New Zealand Warriors have said that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will not be moved to fullback despite Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s injury, which will prevent him from playing from the opening of the 2024 NRL season.
Nicoll-Klokstad will miss the first few weeks of the new season due to a hamstring injury he sustained during preseason training.
The Warriors will exercise caution when it comes to his return; an official club statement indicates he might not be available until Round 4, when the team plays the Newcastle Knights in Auckland on March 31 in a rematch of last year’s semi-final. Initially, it was assumed he would only be questionable during the first week of play.
After doing an assessment, we had assumed he would return for the trial, but we’re going to take him to the next level, get him right, and make sure we’ve got it for the long run. He won’t be playing this weekend, so we’ll play it by ear.
Although there was some excitement about Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s acquisition in the latter part of last year, it has now been established that he will not play fullback for the Warriors this season.
It looks the Warriors will instead rely on Taine Tuaupiki at fullback, even though the team has plenty of capable backups at center, including one each of Rocco Berry and Adam Pompey (depending on who leaves the side) and young gun Ali Leiataua.
With Tuivasa-Sheck’s anticipated return from rugby union, he will take the lead jumper position.
“That’s Taaine.” Since day one, I’ve said that, Webster stated.
“I said that to Roger and Taine. I do think Roger would have to work there if Taine wasn’t eligible for selection as well, for whatever reason.
“I hope we don’t have to see Roger in any capacity because everyone is fit, but it’s not like we won’t at some point.”
