He’s won an NRL premiership, played international rugby league and even represented the mighty All Blacks.
But according to New Zealand Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck the most stressful part of the NRL finals is getting enough tickets for family and friends.
As the Wahs prepare to host Penrith in Saturday’s elimination final at Go Media Stadium, the 32-year-old jokingly revealed he’d warned his less experienced teammates about the importance of nailing their off-field preparation early—including sourcing enough match tickets.
“The biggest (stress) is the tickets,” Tuivasa-Sheck laughed.
“It gets pretty busy, so you need to get all the off-field stuff done early, so when it comes game time you just play.”
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At a more personal level, Tuivasa-Sheck spoke of his excitement at playing NRL finals for the first time since retuning to the Warriors in 2024 after a two-season stint in rugby union that included three tests for the All Blacks.
“This is what I dreamed of, coming back to get chance of playing finals footy,” he said.
“It’s a big occasion and we’re pumped for it, we’re really proud to be in this position (hosting a home final).”
Tuivasa-Sheck began his NRL career with the Sydney Roosters in 2012 and was part of the club’s 2013 premiership side under Trent Robinson.
Since joining the Warriors in 2016 he has played 147 games across eight NRL seasons.
“In 2013 I was really young when we won (Roosters)—it’s a dream to raise a title at this club,” he said.