Warriors need to reward Tuivasa-Sheck's dedication - Burgess

By Michael Burgess*

Opinion - At the end of last season Roger Tuivasa-Sheck decided to write a report for the Warriors hierarchy.

The document, which was presented to chief executive Cameron George and senior football staff, stretched to almost three pages.

It outlined his vision for the club, what was going well and what needed to change.

The skipper was frustrated after a miserable 2019 campaign, where the club fell badly from the high of reaching the playoffs the previous season.

Something had to give.

"I wrote my own report about how I see the club going, and how I was going," Tuivasa-Sheck told this writer.

"I presented it back to Cam [George] and our football director.

"Usually I just have a summary of the year, but I felt like I wanted to do a report. I took the way we went [in 2019] really personally and really want us to do better."

If any more reminders were needed about the unique qualities of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, it's right there.

Captains across the NRL might have a post-season chat with the chief executive, or a debrief with the coach.

But a three page report?

Insiders at the Warriors will tell you that Tuivasa-Sheck is the most driven player they have seen.

Others, like Simon Mannering or Rueben Wiki, have been of a similar ilk but the former Otahuhu College star is the full package.

It's not tunnel vision, and he achieves balance with family time and escaping on his Harley Davidson.

But he is committed to constant improvement, in search of pure excellence.

Tuivasa-Sheck has been penning goals since he was 15 or 16 and still does, even though he is established as one of the top players in the NRL.

His captaincy skills have also improved immensely since he was handed the armband at age 23.

Unfortunately, Tuivasa-Sheck's professionalism and drive to succeed hasn't been matched by the club.

He has given five seasons, in the prime of his career, to the Auckland club and not got that much in return, aside from financial rewards.

That's why there's been the exit speculation, whether to a rival NRL club or rugby, during the last three seasons.

He hasn't been agitating for a move, but you couldn't blame him for being agitated, as it feels like sometimes he has been carrying the team - and even the club - on his shoulders.

Tuivasa-Sheck wants to play in big matches and challenge himself against the best and has rarely had that chance at Mt Smart.

How much more patience will he have?

He returned home from the Roosters in 2016 for various reasons, but a major part of the appeal was the chance to be part of history.

'Win another title, or two, with the Roosters and that will be celebrated,' he was told.

'But lead a successful Warriors team - that brings a premiership to New Zealand - and they will still be talking about that in 50 years.'

Unfortunately the dream he was sold has been far from the reality.

Tuivasa-Sheck has fulfilled his side of the bargain - improving as a player, lifting standards around the club and developing into a strong leader - but the organisation haven't done their part.

In a few weeks Tuivasa-Sheck will start pre-season under his fourth head coach at the Warriors.

Assistant coaches have come and gone, along with recruitment and development staff. Brian Smith was brought in as director of football, then removed a few years later.

There was the ownership saga in 2018, then another protracted shareholder dispute in 2019.

Add to that mix numerous roster changes, some poor contracting decisions and the Shaun Johnson exit fiasco and it's not hard to see why the Warriors have mostly flatlined since 2016.

Across four seasons in Bondi Tuivasa-Sheck featured in nine playoff matches, including three preliminary finals and the 2013 grand final.

In five years at the Warriors there has been just one finals appearance.

He has some great Warriors' memories, particularly the win over the Roosters in Gosford in 2016 and a series of stirring victories at a packed Mt Smart in 2018.

But too often he has trying to hold back the tide, in a team on the back foot and part of an organisation unable to match his dedication to professionalism and quality.

That needs to change in 2021.

There are some positive signs from this season. It was obvious that Todd Payten and his coaching staff unlocked something special, while the playing group found a unique spirit among the adversity of their circumstances, which saw some brilliant results in August and September.

But Payten, along with assistants Stacey Jones and Tony Iro, won't be involved next year and it will be a challenge for Nathan Brown and his all-Australian coaching staff to build the same culture.

It will also be a significantly different playing group. Most of the new signings will enhance the squad, as long as they are coming to Auckland for the right reasons.

Addin Fonua-Blake is the marquee prop fans have been waiting for, but he will have a lot to prove, arriving as the third highest player at the club and will need to shine on and off the field.

But a few of the lesser lights who are departing will be missed and the curious treatment of some homegrown players (like prop Bunty Afoa) doesn't reflect well on the organisation.

Then there is the wildcard of Phil Gould, appointed as a consultant. His coaching CV and football pedigree are impressive but is he the right fit for the Warriors?

Whatever happens, one thing is clear.

Tuivasa-Sheck has devoted everything to the club and the cause since he arrived and there is only so much more he can give.

If, in 12 months' time, he finds himself sitting down to write another report, full of 'if-onlys' and 'what-ifs' it might be time for pastures new.

Diamonds need to shine.

*Michael Burgess has reported on rugby league in New Zealand since 2006, and has covered each of the last 11 Warriors seasons in the NRL.