The Roosters have distanced themselves from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, but there will be no shortage of interest in his services if reports he wants out of rugby are on the money.
Brent Read revealed on NRL 360 that the Roosters feel they are well stocked at fullback, but he believes Tuivasa-Sheck will return to the NRL and it could spark a bidding war from a number of clubs on the lookout for a fullback of his quality.
“John Kirwan the former All Black and Warriors player came out in New Zealand and said that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had a deal on the table and he believed it was with the Roosters,” Read said on NRL 360.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
“I checked with the Roosters and they said, it doesn’t make sense they have got four fullbacks already.
“The Roosters basically distanced themselves from this.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Roger Tuivasa-Sheck does come back eventually.
“There is a lot of money in Japanese rugby that he can go and get and then come back after that.”
Paul Kent believes Tuivasa-Sheck is getting frustrated with a lack of opportunities in the All Blacks starting side, which could see him opt for a return to rugby league.
“He might have heard whispers he was coming back to rugby league,” Kent said of Kirwan’s comments.
Stream every game of the 2022 NRLW Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
“The other thing with RTS is he is not starting for the All Blacks.
“He went to rugby to play for the All Blacks and he is not in the starting side. That gets frustrating for elite athletes when you are continually on the bench.”
Phil Rothfield believes the Dolphins would be wise to make a play for the former New Zealand captain.
“Does Wayne Bennett still need a fullback at the Dolphins?” Rothfield said.
However, Read believes the Tigers and the Knights will go hard for Tuivasa-Sheck should he return to the 13-man code.
DALLY M NEWS
JIMMY BRINGS: Panthers’ $3.5m grand final hangover, Eels star’s five-year Roos recall
REVENGE: The $4m slap in face driving Eels enforcer as discarded trio plot downfall
STAT ATTACK: Eels’ bid to join drought-breakers; third time unlucky for Panthers?
CRONULLA COUP: Hynes smashes 43-year record in epic Dally M Medal win
Opacic still a chance to play in GF | 00:42
“I think Bennett is close to something up at the Dolphins,” Read said.
“When it comes to Roger, there is a host of clubs that would look to sign him.
“The Tigers are an obvious one because they have spoken to Daine Laurie about playing in the halves.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
‘8 Million’ Munster trolled by Fletch | 01:36
“Newcastle is another one. They would love to move Kalyn Ponga to five-eighth.”
Anasta believes there is a number of clubs that could do with someone of Tuivasa-Sheck’s skill, experience and class on and off the field.
“He would be an asset to any team because not only his performance on the field, but off it he is just an ultimate professional and he is a great leader,” Anasta said.
29-year-old Tuivasa-Sheck scored 58 tries in 195 games for the Roosters and Warriors from 2012 to 2021 and scored 11 tries in 10 Tests for New Zealand, while he won the 2018 Dally M Medal and a premiership in 2013.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
