Rise of RTS bittersweet for Roosters

The Sydney Roosters say they’re intent on squeezing every last bit of magic out of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck while he’s still wearing the red, white and blue.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has looked mildly pained every time he has been asked about Tuivasa-Sheck’s rise and rise this season.

As the Roosters have watched the fullback blossom into the game’s latest superstar this year, they have done so with the knowledge that he will depart at the end of the season for the Warriors.

It is a bittersweet feeling for Robinson when he acknowledges the 22-year-old is only going to get better in the years to come.

This season has seen the Kiwi international clock up 5149 metres with the ball – an all-time NRL record. By comparison, his nearest rival Melbourne prop Jesse Bromwich made 3512 metres.

He also finished second on the competition tackle bust list with 132, 25 behind Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco.

“Hopefully he loses it on the plane over to New Zealand,” teammate Boyd Cordner joked.

“We’re enjoying playing with him at the moment and we’re looking forward to trying to send the boys that are leaving off on a good note.”

Cordner said Tuivasa-Sheck was a special blend of athlete who was naturally gifted and willing to work hard on his game.

“He works pretty hard. I think most of that is natural talent,” Cordner said.

“But he does work really hard to improve his game each week.

“He’s a super player and we’re trying to enjoy these last few weeks before he heads over to New Zealand.”

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