There has been plenty of chatter imploring the Warriors to continue playing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at fullback but coach Andrew Webster isn’t listening to it.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named to start in the No 1 jersery this weekend against the Rabbitohs, his first game since November following a hamstring injury.
Tuivasa-Sheck, who’s played most of his rugby league career at fullback and is a former Dally M Player of the Year, impressed there last weekend but will shuffle back to the centres against the Bunnies in Sydney on Saturday.
“Charnze isn't going into this game trying prove that he's better than Roger,” Webster said. “I don’t think Roger is going in trying to prove he’s better than Charnze. I just think they’re trying to be themselves. Charnze isn’t going to play like Roger, he’s going to do different things.
“He was almost a golden boot winner last year, Charnze. If he brings that form I think we'll be happy. And if Roger keeps bringing what he’s been bringing at centre, we’ll be happy with that. I think it’s going to be a bloody good side if we get that right.”
The Warriors are on a two-game winning streak, bringing their overall record for the season to two wins and two defeats.
They are considered a top-four side by many pundits on both sides of the Tasman and will be expected to beat a Rabbitohs side sitting in 16th on the NRL ladder.
While the win is the overall ambition, the game will also mark Tuivasa-Sheck’s 200th in the NRL.
The 30-year-old, who first joined the Warriors in 2016, returned this season after three years playing rugby.
“I think it’s special to do it in a Warriors jersey too, to come back, his home town,” Webster said.
“He’s had a great journey and lots of life experiences. Just to put on an All Blacks jersey, Kiwis jersey, Warriors jersey, Roosters jersey and to win grand finals… like he’s had a great career.
“The highlight reel, and how he steps everyone and beats them is fantastic, but he’s such a good team guy and how much he wants to win for this club is probably the most special part.”
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