Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to be released from New Zealand Warriors at end of 2021 NRL season, confirms rugby change

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has confirmed that he will be leaving the New Zealand Warriors to start rugby in 2022.

The NRL superstar confirmed reports of his impressive code change today, and the 27-year-old will be released from his contract with the Warriors at the end of the 2021 NRL season to move into the 15-man game.

He has yet to sign with a franchise, and the Blues are understood to be big favorites for his signing as they attempt to reach the All Blacks ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Tuivasa-Sheck said his desire to return to rugby has been sustained for a long time.

“It’s always been there. It’s no secret. It’s been in the news here and there because rugby has been a game that I grew up playing in and rugby is where I started my youth soccer, playing rugby from start to finish. So It has always been there in the background.

“To do it now at a time like this and have the support of the club, that’s why I chose to do it now.”

Warriors CEO Cameron George confirmed the club would release senior Tuivasa-Sheck from his $ 1 million contract in 2022 to allow him to move to rugby at the end of the 2021 campaign.

George said the club had been working with Tuivasa-Sheck on the move for some time, after the Warriors captain made the decision a few months ago.

“Yesterday afternoon, the club was able to consider and finalize a series of matters related to those stories [in the media].

“This is not a bomb for the club. We have been discussing this for several weeks, so the important thing for us was to respectfully explore the options with Roger, understand what his wishes were. And at the end of the Roger he earned the respect of the club for come forward and sit down with us and determine the decision we’ve come to.

“We wish Roger all the best in 2022 and beyond … He has really galvanized the team here in extremely difficult circumstances, being away from home and in a different environment. As a club, we feel comfortable with that. Roger deserves this. opportunity “. “

While the All Blacks are the target, Tuivasa-Sheck knows there is a tough road ahead.

“I’ve had a lot of people say ‘you’re going to go to the All Blacks,’ but that’s a bit disrespectful for a brand like that. All I do is go back and play rugby.

“You don’t just walk into a brand like the All Blacks. You have to earn your way in. First is just having a chance. And like I said, I grew up playing rugby, so having a chance.”

He also recognizes the difficulties of leaving a club – and teammates – close to his heart.

“It’s tough. I have invested a lot in this club and this club has also given me a lot. Hopefully I can finish high and all of us as a club can finish high. Hopefully you can continue to support and follow me wherever I go.

“[My teammates] It has been amazing and has supported me. There will be some jokes here and there for a few weeks, but they have been incredible. I faced them before. We got advice on how it would advertise in the media. So I wish we could have announced it correctly and let you know in a better way first, but the guys have been really good and supportive. They are eager for it to happen this year and I totally agree with them.

“This club is special to my heart. I love being here and I love the family atmosphere we have here. So just so the team knows it and the club knows it, and now that I’ve gotten it off my chest,” I’m ready to jump in and focus and win it for this club. “