Kiwis lose lethal fullback for tests
Injury rules in-form Warriors star out of looming games
The Kiwis have suffered a significant blow ahead of the upcoming international season, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck being ruled out of contention.
The Herald understands that the Warriors fullback won’t be available for the test against the Kangaroos on October 13 and also won’t make the subsequent trip to the Northern Hemisphere, where the Kiwis will play three tests against England.
Tuivasa-Sheck injured his knee in the first half of the Warriors’ elimination semifinal loss against the Panthers three weeks ago, after being caught in an awkward position in a tackle.
He left the field and scans later revealed a medial ligament strain.
The 25-year-old had struggled with niggles in the latter half of the campaign, and didn’t train in the week leading up to that match with an ankle sprain.
Tuivasa-Sheck has had surgery, but won’t be recovered in time to play for the Kiwis.
His withdrawal isn’t completely unexpected, as he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in the same knee back in 2016, and no one wants to take any chances.
But his absence will leave a vacuum, especially in the leadership area.
He was one of the strong contenders to be named Kiwis captain, and would have been a senior player in what is expected to be a transitional New Zealand squad.
Tuivasa-Sheck has also proved himself to be one of the best fullbacks in the sport over the last couple of years, and has taken his game to a new level over the past season.
He had eight try assists, 112 tackle breaks, and 13 line breaks in 2018, with three tries.
Tuivasa-Sheck was second across the NRL for kick return metres with 1366 and only two other players ran for more metres than his 178.4 metres per game.
However, the bright news for the Kiwis is that Dallin WateneZelezniak will be a more than capable deputy.
Watene-Zelezniak has enjoyed a strong season for the Panthers, and was one of the best players for Penrith in their recent finals campaign.