Tuivasa-Sheck might be considering code-swapping
Warriors captain Roger TuivasaSheck could make a shock exit from the embattled NRL club, according to reports.
The Daily Telegraph are reporting that Tuivasa-Sheck — and fellow standout player Tohu Harris — are considering their future at the club, with Tuivasa-Sheck even considering a code switch.
According to the Telegraph, the Blues have reached out to TuivasaSheck, while several NRL clubs have inquired about the availability of he and Harris.
Their major concern is said to be the uncertainty around where the team will be based in 2021 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and would only leave if the club is unable to return to Auckland.
If the Warriors are again forced to base themselves in Australia, it could even leave to players attempting to question the validity of their contracts.
Tuivasa-Sheck has two years remaining on his $1 million-a-year deal, while Harris has one year left on a $700,000 deal.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ mission to deny Penrith a club record ninth consecutive win tonight (8pm NZT) has started sluggishly with interim coach Todd Payten giving the squad a serve after a poor showing at training on Wednesday.
Fresh after an impressive win over Manly, the Warriors held their second field session of the week but the departing coach was left far from impressed with their preparation leading into the Panthers clash.
“I don’t think it was anything to do with coming off a couple of wins but I don’t think we concentrated well enough,” Payten said.
“I thought we were a little flat as well from a physical standpoint. We didn’t move very well and were quiet with our talk.
“I was pretty calm the first time we spoke as a group and then [they] got a little bit of a rocket the second time.”
Payten was adamant the training concerns weren’t related to signs the squad may be starting to show signs of fatigue after a gruelling threemonth period away from New Zealand.
“We’re certainly in a better space than six weeks ago in terms of mindset and belief,” he said.
“All-in-all, we’re in a pretty healthy spot. I stressed to the lads they must look after themselves in terms of their sleep, wear compression gear if they need to, eat the right foods and hydrate well.
“And then think about what they need to bring to the game.
“First and foremost, it needs to be that physicality because they (Penrith) can carry the ball really strong and get off the line really quickly.”
The Panthers pummelled the Warriors 26-0 in their previous encounter, back in round four at Campbelltown Stadium.
However, Payten was confident the Warriors were far better equipped to provide a tougher challenge and possibly knock off the competition leaders.
“We haven’t delved into that match too much, we’ve got a completely different squad,” Payten said.
“We go in with a bit more confidence and belief. When you’re playing like that, anything’s possible.
“We’re going to have to be at our best. They’ve got better and we’ve got better.”
The Warriors sit two wins outside the top eight but face a difficult run home.