Shock Warriors’ choice has merit
Tuivasa-Sheck excited by captaincy
The appointment of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as Warriors captain is a left field move — but there are plenty of reasons to be positive about the decision.
At first glance, it is a surprise, as the former Roosters fullback wasn’t on anyone’s list of possible contenders.
But dig a little deeper, and the move has merit.
Firstly, there weren’t many other realistic candidates for the role.
Ryan Hoffman was associated with the old regime and symbolic of the failure of 2016. He is also in his last year at the club, with coach Stephen Kearney confirming on Radio Sport yesterday that Hoffman wouldn’t be offered another contract, which meant the Warriors would be searching for another skipper in 2018.
Former captain Simon Mannering didn’t want the job — and has found a new lease of life without the armband — and Issac Luke wouldn’t cope with the off field demands of the job. Shaun Johnson already has enough on his plate and hasn’t yet achieved the consistency needed from a captain and Ben Matulino isn’t a natural leader.
There is some risk involved with the choice, as Tuivasa-Sheck has limited captaincy experience and is coming back from a serious knee injury which ruined his 2016 season.
The Warriors have been a fragile, enigmatic team and the thought of another rookie captain will frighten some fans.
But it could be a masterstroke. When he returned to New Zealand, Tuivasa-Sheck talked of coming back for “the challenge” and he thrives on being outside his comfort zone.
Rather than being burdened by the demands of the job, it could drive him to higher standards. He is a famously intense trainer, who sets a rare standard. He’s won a premiership, and packed a lot of experience into his 23 years. As a teenager he established himself in a Roosters team full of hard heads — no mean feat — to become one of their best players.
Tuivasa-Sheck is also someone who can grow into the role — remember Mannering was also only 23 when he got the job in 2009 — and has the respect of all the players at the club.
Crucially, the appointment may also secure Tuivasa-Sheck’s future in Auckland, making him more likely to stay at Mt Smart beyond his threeyear deal.
“I was really humbled when Mooks [Kearney] offered me the position,” said Tuivasa-Sheck.
“It’s a huge privilege to be captain and I’m excited about taking on the added responsibility.”
Kearney has a close relationship with Tuivasa-Sheck, trusting him to essentially run the Kiwis backline on the 2015 tour of England, and obviously likes what he has seen.
“Roger offers all the qualities we want from our players,” said Kearney. “He is a true professional in the way he goes about all he does, providing a wonderful example for players to follow.”
Mannering will be a vital back-up. He remained an important figure last year — often captured doing plenty of the talking in the huddles behind the goal posts — and deserves the chance to finish his Warriors career in such a role.
The capture of Tohu Harris for 2018 is a significant signing. He will be a ready-made replacement for Hoffman and has the best years of his career ahead of him. Though some players have struggled to perform outside the Storm system, there will be no such concerns about the ultraconsistent Harris.