Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has shocked the rugby league world, with an imminent announcement to confirm the Dally M and premiership winner will depart the NRL for Union.

Tuivasa-Sheck has made no secret in the past about his desire to one day represent the All Blacks, with a release from his contract at the end of this year giving him time to make the 2023 World Cup squad.

The captain of the New Zealand Warriors, RTS's departure will leave a massive hole in both club land and international level, having made 20 appearances for the Kiwis to date.

The sudden exit may even see Sheck excluded from this year's Rugby League World Cup, with the likes of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jahrome Hughes a chance of donning the number one.

While the Kiwis ponder their replacements, there's a number of players in the NRL who could step up to replace RTS for the Warriors, both in and outside the club currently.

In no particular order, here are the top five candidates to replace Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for 2022.

2. Paul Turner

The youngster turns 21 in July this year, but many already know the name. After debuting in the halves against Canterbury late in the 2020 season, many had Turner pencilled in as a smoky for the Warrior's five-eighth spot this year, as well as a potential bench utility role.

But following the loss of Roger from 2022 onwards, expect Turner's development to be fast-tracked this year. While he has played mostly in the halves, the Whangarei junior is equally adept in the custodian role, and is almost certain to feature there at some point in 2021.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. If and when we lose Roger it’ll be a huge change for the Warriors. Not only is he our best player, best attacker but he’s also our captain and our leader. You can simply just replace him with someone good and expect the team to continue the same cause he’s such a big part of the team. Hence why I don’t think Turner or Hiku would be good enough.

    For me I’d suggest bringing in a small new wave of talent and fresh faces. They don’t need a rebuild just some fresh faces that’ll bring some excitement and life into the club after Roger has gone.

    I’d target Jahrome Hughes (3years-2.25mil, 750k), Brandon Smith (4years-2.6mil, 650k), and Moses Leota (3years-1.5mil, 500k).
    We should have money to spend with Roger (1.1mil) and Ah Mau going off the books. Plus

    1. Hughes
    2. Fusitua
    3. Aiken
    4. Pompey
    5. Maumalo
    6. Nikorima
    7. Harris-Tavita
    8. Leota
    9. Smith
    10. Fonua-Blake
    11. Katoa
    12. Harris
    13. Teveaga

    14. Turner
    15. Tanoa-Brown
    16. Murchie/Evans/Afoa
    17. Murdoch-Masila

    I’d also let Karl Lawton, Peta Hiku, Marcelo Montoya and Josh Curran leave. Hiku would be a loss but needed for the money and easily replaced with Pompey.

  2. Moses Leota has been in the Penrith system since he was a Penrith junior, of 13 years old. Came through from St.Mary’s & has lived in Australia almost as long as he lived in New Zealand. See’s himself as Samoan & played for Samoa. Has played just about all of his football in the Penrith area & for Penrith .
    Has close associations with other players who came through the Penrith juniors .
    Has been on an upward path at the Panthers.
    Plus, has a contract including 2022.
    I don’t see him wanting to go to the Warriors. He had a rough childhood, in his early life in Auckland.

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