A Heartbreaking Twist for Warriors Veteran
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, a veteran of the New Zealand Warriors, has confirmed that he is likely to have played his last game in the National Rugby League (NRL) after suffering a season-ending knee injury. This news marks a difficult chapter for the 32-year-old player, who had been in excellent form this season before the injury occurred.
The injury comes at a tough time for the NRL, as Tuivasa-Sheck becomes the third former representative star to have their career cut short this year. Daniel Saifiti and Jai Arrow were also forced to retire due to serious injuries. Saifiti ended his career after a severe shoulder injury, while Arrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), which has deeply affected the rugby league community.
RTS, as he is affectionately known, revealed on social media that his season is over after limping off the field during the Warriors’ win against the Dragons. Scans have confirmed that he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that typically requires at least nine months of recovery. This means he will not be able to return for the Warriors in 2026 and may face uncertainty for the start of the English Super League season with Wakefield Trinity in 2027.
“that’s my footy done this year. ACL confirmed,” he posted on social media. “Tough to accept, but the season goes on. We got something special going. Big love for all the messages.”
Outstanding Form Before Injury
Before the injury, Tuivasa-Sheck was in superb form for the second-placed Warriors under coach Andrew Webster. The 32-year-old has scored two tries and provided five assists in 10 games this season, while registering 23 tackle busts and averaging more than 150 run metres per game. His performance has been a key factor in the team’s success this season.
Tuivasa-Sheck has also been rediscovering some of his best form after reaching a 150-game milestone for the Warriors earlier this season. He has made a total of 242 appearances in the NRL, starting his career at the Sydney Roosters, where he won a premiership in 2013 playing on the wing.
Tributes Pour In for RTS
As news of his injury spreads, tributes have flowed in for Tuivasa-Sheck, with fans and fellow players expressing their admiration for his contributions to the sport. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including being the Warriors’ player of the season on four occasions. He is the only player from the club to have won the gong three years in a row.
RTS has also achieved great success in other areas of the game. He won a Dally M Medal in 2018, was named NRL fullback of the Year in 2015 and 2018, and was named winger of the year in 2013. In 2019, he became just the fifth Kiwi player to win the Golden Boot Award as league’s outstanding international player.
A Journey Beyond Rugby League
In 2021, Tuivasa-Sheck took a break from rugby league to play rugby union, representing the All Blacks in two Tests before returning to the NRL in 2024 with the Warriors. He has also played 20 rugby league Tests for the Kiwis and five for Samoa.
His journey through rugby league has been nothing short of remarkable, and his decision to move to England next season shows his continued passion for the game. Despite the devastating injury, fans remain hopeful that he will make a successful transition to the English Super League.
As the rugby league community mourns the end of another promising career, there is a sense of gratitude for the legacy that Tuivasa-Sheck has left behind. His contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
