Warriors reveal Sheck’s appeal
Warriors fans have a long history of ‘‘keeping the faith’’ in a club that, in return, offers them perennial disappointment. But an interview today with CEO Cameron George offers perhaps the most far-fetched reason why those fans should believe in miracles: The potential return of cross-code superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
In Rugby’s World Cup year, it would be a stretch to imagine RTS walking away from a chance to help the All Blacks claim the trophy in Paris, but there have been rumblings about him heading back to league – notably from rumour-mongers at his previous NRL team The Roosters.
But in an interview today with Stuff’s David Long, George resurrected the idea of him playing once again for the New Zealand-based team.
‘I’m not knowledgable on rugby and other people would be better at saying how he’s going than me. But the door is always open if he ever wants to consider coming back.
‘‘Obviously, we’ve moved on in terms of salary cap, positions and recruitment and will continue to do so.
‘‘It’s entirely up to him and his manager where he goes and if that’s Sydney, then Sydney it is.
‘‘We’ve moved on, just as much as he has. But he knows the door is always open here if he wants to have a chat.’’
Long writes that TuivasaSheck was on more than $1 million a season at the Warriors and he’d be able to command a similar figure on return.
However, with clubs needing to stay under the salary cap, all of them, including the Warriors, will need to know well in advance of the 2024 season that the 29-year-old is keen on joining them.
‘‘Roger is a fantastic player and person and professional. So he’s going to add value wherever he goes,’’ George said.
‘‘The salary cap is so tight these days and the planning and strategic positioning of players on terms is done years in advance.
‘‘Rarely do you have a large sum of money just hanging around. Some clubs do, the timing could be right for a club. But mostly we’re all planned for a number of years ahead.’’
You can read the whole interview with Cameron George as well as find a preview of the Warriors’ chances this year ahead of next week’s NRL kickoff at Stuff.co.nz