Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is making a seamless transition into the Sydney Roosters’ No.1 jersey, according to Test fullback Billy Slater.
Tuivasa-Sheck has been alternating in the fullback role with Anthony Minichiello throughout the season but will take it over fulltime when the long-serving skipper retires at the end of the year.
Ahead of his Melbourne team’s Melbourne’s crucial round 25 clash with the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night, Slater says Kiwi international winger Tuivasa-Sheck is proving to be ready-made for the key role.
“He’s probably had the best transition that I’ve seen a young fullback coming into first grade have, over his last season or two,” Slater said.
“Minichiello was one guy that I took a lot of tips off.
“His strengths were his work ethic and how many runs he’d have and how much he was involved. When I was a young fella coming through, that’s what I took off him.
“Obviously Tuivasa-Sheck is learning off the best there. Obviously his talents are there to see for everyone.
“But I think given the opportunity that he has got learning off Anthony Minichiello over the last 24 months is certainly a great opportunity and one that he certainly should cherish.”
The Roosters enjoyed their most impressive win over the season last-start, a 46-12 thumping of the Warriors in Auckland.
Melbourne are coming off a solid 24-10 defeat of Penrith at the foot of the mountains.
“Regardless of what form the Roosters are in, they’ve got such a dangerous side across the board,” Slater said.
“Both centres are really dangerous, Sonny Bill Williams is a big man and he’s very athletic but he’s got that ball-playing ability as well.
“And then they’re two halves are great, their hooker is playing some exceptional football this year.
“They got a forward pack that really work hard for one another, so they’re a well-balanced side.
“They won the comp last year and they only lost one player in Luke O’Donnell so they’re always going to be a dangerous side coming up against them.
“When they’re in a bit of form, they’re even more dangerous.”
