Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's impending return to the NRL is an extremely exciting prospect for Warriors fans - and the former Dally M Medal winner could be the final piece of their premiership puzzle.
After a surprisingly strong start to the 2023 campaign, the club have now added one of the greatest Kiwi players of all-time on a three-year deal next year.
Tuivasa-Sheck has spent the past two years plying his trade in rugby union, but in a huge boost for the 13-man code, he officially announced his comeback earlier this week.
With just shy of 200 first grade appearances, 20 Test matches for New Zealand and an NRL premiership to his name, RTS is going to add plenty of experience and class to the Warriors backline in the coming years.
MORE: Broncos confident of retaining Payne Haas despite rugby union interest
New head coach Andrew Webster has instilled a new-found belief and tenacity within their current roster, winning five games from their opening seven this year and finding their mojo as a defensive-orientated and gritty outfit.
The side have managed to win the close games that may have slipped out of their grasp in years gone by, with Webster pushing them towards their first finals appearance since 2018.
Warriors head of recruitment Andrew McFadden told SEN Radio on Friday that the club were overjoyed to see the prodigal son return home, believing his X-factor and attacking flair will further compliment their new style.
“When we got the phone call a couple of days ago that he was going to accept our offer, there was a few fist pumps that’s for sure,” he said.
“He’s got X-factor - Roger can do things and create things that can get you over the line. I think what you’re seeing with our team at the moment is a team that’s really willing to fight and scrap.
“You still need guys that can put points on and create things...we are relying heavily on what Shaun [Johnson] does for the team, but you really need that.”
When is Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returning to NRL?
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will return to the NRL in 2024, inking a long-term deal with the Warriors in a major boost for the competition's surprise packets.
The 29-year-old played over 100 games for the club during a six-year stint, winning the Dally M Medal and helping the side to the finals during the 2018 campaign.
Where will Roger Tuivasa-Sheck play for the Warriors?
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is expected to play fullback for the Warriors upon his return to rugby league next year.
The former Dally M Medal winner found plenty of success at both club and international level in the No.1 jumper prior to his move to rugby union.
How old is Roger Tuivasa-Sheck?
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is 29 years old, but will reach his 30th birthday prior to his return to the NRL.
Will Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad leave the Warriors?
It will be a major sense of deja vu for current Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad heading into next year.
The 27-year-old was stuck behind RTS in the early stages of his career with the Warriors, prompting him to depart the club in 2019 to link up with the Raiders, where he was able to establish himself as a consistent first grader.
But after coming back home to Auckland and locking down the No.1 jumper this season, Nicoll-Klokstad will again be forced to move out of his favoured role.
Despite the sticky situation, McFadden is confident both players will be a major part of the Warriors long-term.
“I know everyone is concerned particularly around Charnze,” he said.
“He’s comfortable with the plan going forwards and Charnze will still be prioritised in our team as well...they both fit in our side is the short answer.”
