Roger Tuivasa-Sheck knows he has big shoes to fill replacing Anthony Minichiello as the Sydney Roosters’ fullback and has been seeking advice from the club great to help his game.

Minichiello’s retirement at the end of last NRL season opened the door for the Kiwi international to move to the back, from the wing.

The 21-year-old was satisfied with how he played in the win against North Queensland last week in only his fourth NRL appearance in the position.

“After the game, I sent ‘Mini’ a couple of texts to ask how he thought I went,” Tuivasa-Sheck said.

“He was happy with how I went with my performance and, every week, we catch up and work on ways I can improve.”

In addition to mentoring Tuivasa-Sheck about his game, he has also worked with him to improve his diet and said he’s in the best shape of his life as a result.

“Keeping my weight down but being able to lift a few more kilograms has been the biggest challenge,” Tuivasa-Sheck said.

“I am still working the ‘Mini’ diet. It’s all about eating fresh and organic stuff – just cutting out the snacking.

“I started on the raw meat at the start of the year … it sounds awful, but he (Minichiello) has some spices that he uses and it’s pretty good.

“He gives me tips and I take it home and try them for myself.”

Tuivasa-Sheck is relishing the chance to go head-to-head with Greg Inglis when the Roosters and South Sydney do battle in the biggest game of the season so far.

Memories of last year’s preliminary final defeat by their old rivals are still very fresh around the club and Tuivasa-Sheck said Trent Robinson’s side are desperate to make amends on Sunday at ANZ Stadium.

“It’s a big rivalry and a game we all look forward to. I just hope we can get the win,” he said.

SOUTH SYDNEY v SYDNEY ROOSTERS KEY STATS:

* Since the beginning of 2013, the Roosters have won 34 of 40 matches when leading at halftime. Their 40 halftime leads are the most by any team in this period, as are their 34 wins

* Greg Inglis has scored seven tries in his five matches against the Roosters at ANZ Stadium, including five in his two games against them last season

* Inglis requires just two tries to bring up 50 for the Rabbitohs, becoming only the 12th player to do so for Souths

* James Maloney needs just six points to bring up 500 for the Roosters, making him the 10th player to achieve the feat for the club

* Blake Ferguson has scored a try in each of his past three matches against the Rabbitohs but is yet to be on the winning side against them from four games.