Barnett backs RTS at centre
Warriors can make the most of star’s unique talents as a super NRL centre
More space, improved structure, some variety and time — that’s the recipe for the Warriors to make the most of Roger TuivasaSheck as a centre, according to Richie Barnett.
The former Kiwis captain is well placed to analyse Tuivasa-Sheck’s transition.
The majority of his 26 tests were at fullback, while he wore the No 1 jersey for the Cronulla Sharks, Sydney Roosters and London Broncos. But the versatile Barnett also had long stints at centre across eight NRL seasons from 1994 to 2000.
Though it has divided opinion, Barnett understands what the Warriors are hoping to achieve with Tuivasa-Sheck wider in the backline.
“They’ve always wanted a stronger centre pairing,” Barnett told the Herald. “Rocco Berry has come of age and Roger fits that profile, after coming from a rugby background in the midfield — he could be the piece of the puzzle.”
There have been flashes from Tuivasa-Sheck — especially against the Storm in Melbourne — but Barnett feels the club is yet to maximise the opportunity he offers.
“I don’t think they have constructed enough shape [out wide] to utilise him because they’ve used him more as a ‘create something out of nothing’ mentality,” said Barnett, who was previously a popular Sky Television pundit and now works as partnership manager for the I Am Hope Foundation.
“I’d love to see that exposed a bit more, to give him a bit of space. They haven’t quite got that right. They are using a lot of the lead runners — most of their shape is hitting a forward — and very little is going out the back door for someone like Roger or Rocco Berry. At some point, they need to find some more room for those guys.”
Barnett also believes the left-edge combination between Te Maire Martin and Tuivasa-Sheck will be key. Before last Saturday, they had played in the same team only three times, all for the Kiwis and never side by side, but Barnett sees potential.
“They need to utilise Te Maire’s skill set. He’s such a clever player, his
He’ll need to adapt to hitting those holes and running gaps, rather than stepping out of trouble.
subtleties and the way he plays. I hope Te Maire will take more plays on and really start to dominate that left edge, which creates a bit more in their repertoire. That will make them more of a threat.”
Ultimate success will also rely on a gradual mindset shift from TuivasaSheck, after so many years as an NRL fullback.
“He is such a strong runner but he’ll need to adapt to hitting those holes and running gaps, rather than stepping out of trouble.”
It’s not an easy switch, especially defensively, and Barnett sympathises with Tuivasa-Sheck, who has been exposed at times, against Canberra in Christchurch and Manly last Saturday.
“It’s the most difficult place to defend. Especially these days, when there are so many lead runners coming at you and you have to make an adjustment in a split second.”
But Barnett backs Tuivasa-Sheck to eventually make his mark.
“I don’t think it’s a gamble with Rog. They will give him faith about what he can do there. I’ve been under certain coaches that back you and it lifts your belief in yourself to another level. And that’s exactly what Webster has done.”
“Roger will put so much energy and learning into every day. Roger and Charnze [Nicoll-Klokstad] are very similar. They don’t go out. They’re not party boys. They invest all their time and energy into ensuring they’re at their best every game.”
Of his six matches in 2024, Tuivasa-Sheck has played only two full games at centre, as he covered fullback and wing. So there is plenty to learn for the 30-year-old, who has put on weight and muscle since he was last in the NRL in 2021.
Barnett hopes fans are patient and doubts Webster will backtrack on his call, even though the duo are theoretically interchangeable, given Nicoll-Klokstad has test experience at centre.
“Nine times out of 10, a coach will back a player and stick to it. I guess the pressure is on for Nicoll-Klokstad but he fronted up last year. He was exceptional, with his ability to play different styles, and he adapts well to what is needed at the time.
“The Warriors have a plan. The teams that have won competitions have always had a very strong centre. They need a bit more structure and shape to allow Roger to do his thing and hopefully Te Maire and Shaun [Johnson] can execute that.”
Former Kiwis captain Richie Barnett (above)