Blues coach Leon MacDonald believes marquee signing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could make a Super Rugby impact as soon as round one next year despite his code switch being slowed by COVID-19.
The NRL superstar was released early from his Warriors contract so he could test the rugby waters with Auckland in New Zealand’s NPC.
But while pandemic lockdowns prevented Tuivasa-Sheck from actually taking the field, MacDonald said his progress on the training field gave him great confidence.
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“I expect him to be ready to go,” MacDonald said after all 12 Super Rugby squads were officially unveiled.
“In his mind he’s definitely ready to go in round one. It’s about trying to pull him back instead of push him forward. He’s pretty determined and excited.
“If you speak to any of the players and coaches, we’re blown away by how quickly he has taken to the game. It’s like he never left it. His detail and preparation is really impressive and his skillset is right up there. We thought it might take him a while with the different skill sets, but he’s been working really hard at that.
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“Like everyone he’ll be trying to put his hand up and push for that game one starting spot.”
MacDonald added that the league fullback was being viewed as an inside centre at the Blues.
“The big picture plan was to start him in the outsides with Auckland and progress him into midfield for us – we’ve missed that through COVID. But the outside backs was easy for him, and didn’t take him long to adjust. We feel he’s ticked that box. He did full contact with Auckland and looked great on the wing.”
“So we’ve said let’s narrow his focus now and concentrate on midfield for the next while, knowing if he does become an outside back for whatever reason that transition is halfway done for him.”
Meanwhile, Wallabies captain Michael Hooper headlines the big name additions among the Australian squads after being confirmed in the Waratahs for 2022.
Jesse Mogg and Cam Clark (Brumbies), Tom Lynagh (Reds), Izack Rodda (Force) and Matt Philip (Rebels) are other notable signings in Australia.
Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika will join the fresh 12 team competition next year.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC 2022 SQUADS
– AUSTRALIA –
BRUMBIES
Props: Allan Alaalatoa, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Tom Ross, James Slipper, Scott Sio
Hookers: Folau Fainga’a, Lachlan Lonergan, Connal McInerney, Billy Pollard
Locks: Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain
Back row: Jahrome Brown, Ed Kennedy, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini
Halfbacks: Lachie Albert, Ryan Lonergan, Nic White
Fly halves: Rodney Iona, Noah Lolesio
Centres: Hudson Creighton, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Ollie Sapsford
Outside backs: Tom Banks, Cam Clark, Jesse Mogg, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
In: Sefo Kautai, Fred Kaihea, Ed Kennedy, Rod Iona, Hudson Creighton, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Ollie Sapsford, Cam Clark, Jesse Mogg
Out: Bayley Kuenzle, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reesjan Pasitoa, Reece Tapine, James Tucker, Harry Lloyd, Mack Hansen, Archer Holz, Solomone Kata
REBELS
Props: Cabous Eloff, Vaauli Faamausili, Matt Gibbon, Cameron Orr, Rhys van Nek
Hookers: James Hanson, Efi Maafu, Jordan Uelese
Locks: Ross Haylett-Petty, Trevor Hosea, Tom Nowlan, Matt Philip
Back row: Richard Hardwick, Tamati Ioane, Josh Kemeny, Rob Leota, Michael Wells, Brad Wilkin
Halfbacks: Joe Powell, Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle
Fly halves: Carter Gordon
Centres: Stacey Ili, Ray Nu’u, Young Tonumaipea, Matt To’omua, Jeral Skelton
Outside backs: Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Joe Pincus, Ilikena Vudogo
In: Tamati Ioane, Joe Pincus, Moses Sorovi, Efi Maafu, Matt Philip
Out: Lucio Sordoni, Ignacio Calas, Steve Cummins, Lewis Holland, Frank Lomani, Tom Pincus, Dane Haylett-Petty, Isi Naisarani, Marika Koroibete
WARATAHS
Props: Angus Bell, Tiaan Taukipulu, Te Tera Faulkner, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Ruan Smith, Archer Holz
Hookers: David Porecki, Tom Horton
Locks: Max Douglas, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Hugh Bokenham, Jeremy Williams
Back row: Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Lachie Swinton, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson
Halfbacks: Jack Grant, Jake Gordon, Henry Robertson
Fly halves: Will Harrison, Tane Edmed, Ben Donaldson
Centres: Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mosese Tuipulotu
Outside backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Alex Newsome, James Ramm, Triston Reilly, Tevita Funa, Dylan Pietsch
In: Ruan Smith, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper, Tevita Funa, Dylan Pietsch, Archer Holz, Hugh Bokenham
Out: Robbie Abel, Chris Talakai, Jack Whetton, Sam Caird, Sam Wykes,Jack Dempsey, Tepai Moeroa, Jack Maddocks, Joe Cotton, Chris Tatola
REDS
Props: George Blake, Feao Fotuaika, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Taniela Tupou, Dane Zander
Hookers: Richie Asiata, Alex Mafi, Josh Nasser
Locks: Angus Blyth, Lopeti Faifua, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, Tuaina Taii Tualima,
Back row: Fraser McReight, Angus Scott-Young, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright
Halfbacks: Spencer Jeans, Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas
Fly halves: Lawson Creighton, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor
Centres: Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Hamish Stewart
Outside backs: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Ilaisa Droasese, Mac Grealy, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu
In: Spencer Jeans, Tom Lynagh, Lopeti Faifua, George Blake
Out: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Bryce Hegarty, Moses Sorovi
FORCE
Props: Bo Abra, Greg Holmes, Harry Lloyd, Santiago Medrano, Tom Robertson, Angus Wagner
Hookers: Feleti Kaitu’u, Andrew Ready, Jack Winchester
Locks: Ryan McCauley, Fergus Lee-Warner, Jackson Pugh, Izack Rodda, Sitaleki Timani, Jeremy Thrush
Back row: Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander
Halfbacks: Isaac Fines-Leleiwasa, Michael McDonald, Ian Prior
Fly halves: Jake McIntrye, Reejan Pasitoa
Centres: Kyle Godwin, Richard Kahui, Bayley Kuenzle, Grason Makara
Outside backs: Daniel Ala, Brad Lacey, Manasa Mataele, Jack McGregor, Toni Pulu, Byron Ralston, Jake Strachan, Reece Tapine
In: Daniel Ala, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Lloyd, Manasa Mataele, Reesjan Pasitoa, Reece Tapine
Out: Marcel Brache, Tomas Cubelli, Rob Kearney, Tevita Kuridrani, Jono Lance, Tomas Lezana, Kieran Longbottom, Domingo Miotti, Jordan Olowofela, Jonah Placid and Henry Taefu
https://twitter.com/Fijian_Drua/status/1456426552816594946?s=20
FIJIAN DRUA
Props: Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Meli Tuni, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Manasa Saulo, Samuela Tawake
Hookers: Mesu Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama
Locks: Chris Minimbi, Ratu Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Viliame Rarasea
Back row: Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Nemani Nagusa, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate Nasove, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Halfbacks: Leone Nawai, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli
Fly halves: Teti Tela
Centres: Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Kalione Nasoko, Seru Vularika
Outside backs: Onisi Ratave, Vinaya Habosi, Kitione Taliga, Napolioni Bolaca, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
– NEW ZEALAND –
BLUES
Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Soane Vikena, Ricky Riccitelli
Props: Alex Hodgman, Jordan Lay, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Nepo Laulala, Karl Tu’inukuafe
Locks: James Tucker, Josh Goodhue, Sam Darry, Luke Romano.
Loose forwards: Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta
Midfielders: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tanielu Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Corey Evans, Tamati Tua
Outside backs: Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan
Unavailable due to injury: James Lay
In: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Beauden Barrett, Jordan Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Luke Romano, James Tucker, Taufa Funaki, Corey Evans, Tamati Tua, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Anton Segner
Out: Blake Gibson, Emoni Narawa, Otere Black, TJ Faiane, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jacob Pierce, Ray Nuia, Luteru Tolai, Jonathan Ruru, Dillon Hunt
CHIEFS
Hookers: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Bradley Slater, Tyrone Thompson
Props: Aidan Ross, Atunaisa Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Ollie Norris, Sione Mafileo, Reuben O’Neill
Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord
Loose forwards: Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Pita Gus Sowakula, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau
Halfbacks: Brad Weber, Xavier Roe, Cortez Ratima
First five-eighths: Bryn Gatland, Kaleb Trask, Josh Ioane
Midfielders: Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Poihipi, Gideon Wrampling
Outside backs: Jonah Lowe, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Chase Tiatia, Shaun Stevenson, Rivez Reihana
In: Josh Ioane, Brodie Retallick, Emoni Narawa, Tyrone Thompson, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Gideon Wrampling
Out: Damian McKenzie, Lachlan Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kini Naholo, Bailyn Sullivan, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Viliame Taulani, Nathan Harris
HURRICANES
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, James O’Reilly
Props: Tevita Mafileo, Alex Fidow, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones
Locks: James Blackwell, Dom Bird, Scott Scrafton, Justin Sangster
Loose forwards: Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Blake Gibson, Ardie Savea, Tyler Laubscher, Devan Flanders, Caleb Delany, TK Howden
Halfbacks: Jamie Booth, TJ Perenara, Cam Roigard
First five-eighths: Aidan Morgan, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Ruben Love
Midfielders: Teihorangi Walden, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan
Outside backs: Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett, Pepesana Patafilo, Salesi Rayasi, Wes Goosen, Josh Moorby
Unavailable due to injury: Owen Franks, Isaia Walker-Leawere
In: Dom Bird, Blake Gibson, Teihorangi Walden, Bailyn Sullivan, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Tyler Laubscher, Aidan Morgan, Cam Roigard, Josh Moorby, Caleb Delaney, TK Howden, Owen Franks
Out: Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso, Vaea Fifita, Ricky Riccitelli, Gareth Evans, Simon Hickey, Lolagi Visinia, Jonathan Taumateine, Orbyn Leger, Danny Toala, Luke Campbell, Liam Mitchell, Kane Leaupepe, Fraser Armstrong
CRUSADERS
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, Shilo Klein
Props: Joe Moody, Oli Jager, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis
Locks: Scott Barrett, Quentin Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Zach Gallagher
Loose forwards: Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili, Cullen Grace, Pablo Matera, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow
Halfbacks: Mitch Drummond, Bryn Hall, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
First five-eighths: Richie Mo’unga, Simon Hickey, Fergus Burke
Midfielders: Jack Goodhue, David Havili Talitui, Braydon Ennor, Isaiah Punivai, Dallas McLeod
Outside backs: Chay Fihaki, George Bridge, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Kini Naholo
In: Pablo Matera, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kini Naholo, Simon Hickey, Dominic Gardiner, Finlay Brewis, Zach Gallagher, Shilo Klein, Corey Kellow
Out: Isileli Tuungafasi, Andrew Makalio, Michael Alaalatoa, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Tom Sanders, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Manasa Mataele, Luke Romano, Josh McKay
HIGHLANDERS
Hookers: Liam Coltman, Rhys Marshall, Andrew Makalio
Props: Ayden Johnstone, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan de Groot, Jermaine Ainsley, Josh Hohneck, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u
Locks: Maanaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Dickson, Bryn Evans, Max Hicks, Sam Caird
Loose forwards: James Lentjes, Billy Harmon, Hugh Renton, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Gareth Evans, Sean Withy
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Folau Fakatava, Kayne Hammington
First five-eighths: Marty Banks, Mitchell Hunt
Midfielders: Fetuli Paea, Patelesio Tomkinson, Solomon Alaimalo, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Ngatungane Punivai, Scott Gregory
Outside backs: Connor Garden-Bachop, Mosese Dawai, Vilimoni Koroi, Sam Gilbert, Josh Timu
Unavailable due to injury: Jona Nareki, Pari Pari Parkinson
In: Gareth Evans, Andrew Makalio, Marty Banks, Mosese Dawai, Rhys Marshall, Josh Timu, Sean Withy, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, Sam Caird
Out: Josh Ioane, Ash Dixon, Siate Tokolahi, Kazuki Himeno, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Michael Collins, Tim O’Malley, Jack Regan, Liam Squire
MOANA PASIFIKA
Hookers: Ray Niuia, Sam Moli, Luteru Tolai
Props: Sekope Kepu, Isileli Tuungafasi, Joe Apikatoa, Tau Koloamatangi, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Chris Apoua
Locks: Don Lolo, Mike McKee, Veikoso Poliniati, Alex McRobbie
Loose Forwards: Henry Stowers, Jack Lam, Sione Tuipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Sam Slade, Alamanda Motuga
Halfbacks: Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine, Manu Paea
First five-eighths: Christian Lealifano, Lincoln McClutchie, William Havili
Midfielders: Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi
Outside backs: Lolagi Visinia, Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio, Solomone Kata, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tima Fainga’anuku, Anzelo Tuituvuki