Warriors captain wants to lift standards

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is not one to hide his feelings.

The likeable 24-year-old, who attended Otahuhu College, knows things must turn around in 2018 after a terrible year for the Vodafone Warriors and the Kiwis at the World Cup in 2017.

The talented fullback, apparently in the sights of the All Blacks selectors, won a Premiership medal with the Sydney Rooster in 2013.

But since arriving as the marquee signing at the Warriors in 2016, it has been a struggle for Tuivasa-Sheck to regain the blistering pace and form he showed with such spectacular results at the Roosters.

He was made captain last year in a surprise move for most pundits and has retained the role for this season. Spend any time with Tuivasa-Sheck and his leadership skills and respect from the rest of the players is obvious.

When put to him that this is a crucial season for him and the credibility of the Warriors, Tuivasa-Sheck agrees.

“It is very important. Every year I come in and try to get my own point as to why I can be better and where I can take the team. I can actually say the last couple of years I have not been at my best. My first year I had that feeling of trying to fit in, and at the beginning of my second year I kind of stepped it up by trying to be better and taking a few players with me.

“This year is like a personal year trying to really get with a few of the leaders in the team. I really want to lead and try to be the best I can be. We need a few more boys to buy in. It is something I really want to help them with as this year I really want to get well in.”-

Sydney:

Jarryd Hayne has never been a strong pre-season trainer, but during Parramatta’s recent training camp on the Central Coast the prodigal Eel was beaten home in a fitness test by Coach Brad Arthur. Speaking on NRL 360, Fox Sports’ chief NRL reporter James Hooper revealed Hayne finished dead last in a gruelling five kilometre obstacle course while Arthur finished in the top 10.

“I saw them run some sand dunes and complete a five kilometre hectic obstacle course and what I got out of that was — Jarryd Hayne did finish in last position” Hooper said.

“Jarryd has never been a tremendous preseason trainer.

“We know that from when Ricky Stuart had him at the Eels and all his coaches will tell you pre-season is not where Jarryd does his best work.”

Given Arthur’s reputation as a fitness fanatic and his previous praise of Hayne’s work ethic since his move from the Gold Coast, it’s unlikely that the Eels are hitting panic stations but the news is slightly embarrassing for the two-time Dally M winner.

“He is never going to win that sort of stuff but you know what, when we are doing our footy stuff and speed work he is in the best couple,” Arthur said.

“It was the same with Semi Radradra. “Semi would be last but you have to remember they are different athletes.

“Jarryd’s attitude has been great, unbelievable.

“He has done everything since he has been here. He is training really well.

“Like I said, he is never going to win a time trial or a sand dune run but he is getting fitter and he is getting better.”