Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has shocked the rugby league world, with an imminent announcement to confirm the Dally M and premiership winner will depart the NRL for Union.

Tuivasa-Sheck has made no secret in the past about his desire to one day represent the All Blacks, with a release from his contract at the end of this year giving him time to make the 2023 World Cup squad.

The captain of the New Zealand Warriors, RTS's departure will leave a massive hole in both club land and international level, having made 20 appearances for the Kiwis to date.

The sudden exit may even see Sheck excluded from this year's Rugby League World Cup, with the likes of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jahrome Hughes a chance of donning the number one.

While the Kiwis ponder their replacements, there's a number of players in the NRL who could step up to replace RTS for the Warriors, both in and outside the club currently.

In no particular order, here are the top five candidates to replace Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for 2022.

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1. Peta Hiku

Despite playing predominantly centre of late, Hiku is no stranger to the fullback role, and currently only 28, he's got time. After a strong 2020 season he was re-signed by the club on a one-year contract, but the loss of RTS could see the former Sea Eagle and Panther become a priority recruit.

Whilst certainly not the long-term answer, Hiku could definitely provide a safe option for the 'inbetween' period, with some big name players off-contract at the end of 2022.

NRL Rd 16 - Warriors v Knights
TAMWORTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 29: Peta Hiku of the Warriors makes a break during the round 16 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Newcastle Knights at Scully Park on August 29, 2020 in Tamworth, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
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2 COMMENTS

  1. If and when we lose Roger itโ€™ll be a huge change for the Warriors. Not only is he our best player, best attacker but heโ€™s also our captain and our leader. You can simply just replace him with someone good and expect the team to continue the same cause heโ€™s such a big part of the team. Hence why I donโ€™t think Turner or Hiku would be good enough.

    For me Iโ€™d suggest bringing in a small new wave of talent and fresh faces. They donโ€™t need a rebuild just some fresh faces thatโ€™ll bring some excitement and life into the club after Roger has gone.

    Iโ€™d target Jahrome Hughes (3years-2.25mil, 750k), Brandon Smith (4years-2.6mil, 650k), and Moses Leota (3years-1.5mil, 500k).
    We should have money to spend with Roger (1.1mil) and Ah Mau going off the books. Plus

    1. Hughes
    2. Fusitua
    3. Aiken
    4. Pompey
    5. Maumalo
    6. Nikorima
    7. Harris-Tavita
    8. Leota
    9. Smith
    10. Fonua-Blake
    11. Katoa
    12. Harris
    13. Teveaga

    14. Turner
    15. Tanoa-Brown
    16. Murchie/Evans/Afoa
    17. Murdoch-Masila

    Iโ€™d also let Karl Lawton, Peta Hiku, Marcelo Montoya and Josh Curran leave. Hiku would be a loss but needed for the money and easily replaced with Pompey.

  2. Moses Leota has been in the Penrith system since he was a Penrith junior, of 13 years old. Came through from St.Maryโ€™s & has lived in Australia almost as long as he lived in New Zealand. Seeโ€™s himself as Samoan & played for Samoa. Has played just about all of his football in the Penrith area & for Penrith .
    Has close associations with other players who came through the Penrith juniors .
    Has been on an upward path at the Panthers.
    Plus, has a contract including 2022.
    I donโ€™t see him wanting to go to the Warriors. He had a rough childhood, in his early life in Auckland.

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