RTS back at Fullback for the Warriors

For the first time since July 2021, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be back in the Warriors’ No 1 jersey after being named at fullback for Sunday’s NRL clash with the Newcastle Knights at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.

A hamstring injury to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and concussion to Taine Tuaupiki have left the Warriors with no specialist option to face the Knights, after picking up their first win of the season against the Canberra Raiders last week.

Tuivasa-Sheck made his name as one of the best fullbacks in the NRL and won the coveted Dally M medal in 2018 for his displays wearing No 1.

However, since coming back from rugby union at the start of the year, the 30-year-old has been played at centre, as coach Andrew Webster placed his faith in Nicoll-Klokstad.

But Tuaupiki’s concussion has left Webster with no other choice but to name Tuivasa-Sheck at fullback, seeing Adam Pompey come into the centres for round four.

Last week, Tuivasa-Sheck said he was committed to playing centre, but Tuaupiki’s absence has forced the Warriors to make the shuffle.

Elsewhere, Wayde Egan has been named at hooker, despite missing the last two weeks with an elbow injury.

The 27-year-old was named to face both the Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders, but was withdrawn before kickoff both times, which saw Freddy Lussick come into the starting side.

Marata Niukore has also been named for his first appearance of 2024, after suffering a minor foot fracture in pre-season.

The 27-year-old will likely cover the edge and front row, after doing so against the Redcliffe Dolphins in Auckland in the Warriors’ second trial match.

Dylan Walker has also been named on the interchange bench, after he missed the win over the Raiders with an ankle concern.

The pair’s returns see Tom Ale and Jazz Tevaga drop into the reserves, after both featuring against Canberra.

The Warriors will have fond memories of playing the Knights, after ending Newcastle’s season with a 40-10 victory at Mt Smart Stadium in 2023.

Warriors team to face Newcastle Knights (kickoff 6.05pm Sunday at Go Media Stadium, Auckland)

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Jackson Ford
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Tohu Harris (captain)

Interchange

14. Freddy Lussick
15. Marata Niukore
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Dylan Walker

Reserves

18. Tom Ale
20. Jazz Tevaga
21. Chanel Harris-Tavita
22. Te Maire Martin
23. Ali Leiataua

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission