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.

4. Jahrome Hughes

While he's now a premiership-winning halfback, Hughes has spent the majority of his career at fullback, though Ryan Papenhuyzen has a mortgage on the Melbourne number one jersey. With Craig Bellamy set to depart at seasons end, the band is being broken up a little down south, with many gun youngsters set for upgraded deals.

At least three rival clubs have already made contact with the Kiwi international and his manager is pushing for a big upgrade on his current deal. A move to the Warriors at fullback could cement a starting spot for the Kiwis as well. The Storm have young halfbacks Cooper Johns and Jonah Pezet on their books which means Hughes mightn't be able to secure a long-term deal in Melbourne, and could even be followed by team mate Brandon Smith.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 27: Jahrome Hughes offloads the ball during the Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Gosch's Paddock on February 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

2 COMMENTS

  1. If and when we lose Roger it’ll be a huge change for the Warriors. Not only is he our best player, best attacker but he’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 he’s such a big part of the team. Hence why I don’t think Turner or Hiku would be good enough.

    For me I’d suggest bringing in a small new wave of talent and fresh faces. They don’t need a rebuild just some fresh faces that’ll bring some excitement and life into the club after Roger has gone.

    I’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

    I’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.Mary’s & has lived in Australia almost as long as he lived in New Zealand. See’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 don’t see him wanting to go to the Warriors. He had a rough childhood, in his early life in Auckland.