The Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to New Zealand rugby story has surfaced that many times before you could be forgiven for eliciting an eye-roll response. This time, though, the smoke signals point to a legitimate code switch on the Sonny Bill Williams scale.
On this occasion, timing is thebig difference puffing the plumes.
Tuivasa-Sheck can see out his final contracted year at the Warriors and, having battled away as the face of the underachieving club since 2016, and captain one year later, no one could begrudge him pursuing a refreshing chapter to chase a genuinely held dream next year.
The deal to bring Tuivasa-Sheck to New Zealand Rugby and likely the Blues is not done yet, but with insiders suggesting it could be completed within a week, attention will soon turn to whether he can make a successful transition.
Should talks continue to progress that timeframe would leave Tuivasa-Sheck, who turns 28 in June, two Super Rugby seasons to crack the All Blacks' World Cup squad in 2023.
With the Barrett brothers, Beauden and Jordie, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie established in the fullback pecking order, the likes of David Havili knocking on the door, Caleb Clarke, George Bridge and Sevu Reece on the edges, Tuivasa-Sheck would have significant ground to make up in limited time.
Tuivasa-Sheck's lethal attacking bursts from the backfield have long marked him as one of the best athletes in the NRL. Two seasons to become world-class and grasp the differing positional, kicking and defensive requirements in union is a challenging but not impossible task for someone of his ilk.
His experience playing wing and fullback for Otahuhu College first XV should also stand him in good stead.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Photo / Photosport
From an All Blacks perspective, three years leading into the World Cup would give him the best possible chance of breaking into the 23-man squad, though that would involve walking away from the Warriors now.
It must be noted, should he make the switch, Tuivasa-Sheck would have the option of representing his Samoan heritage, too.
The Blues have a mixed history signing rugby league stars. Benji Marshall's high-profile switch in 2014 was an unmitigated disaster – lasting six games in a two-year deal under Sir John Kirwan before bailing back to the NRL.
Marshall always confronted the most difficult task in switching codes, however. Expecting him to slot in at first five-eighth and be immediately comfortable with the intricacies driving a union game was never going to work.
When Williams joined the Blues in 2017, following his Olympics pursuit with the New Zealand sevens team one year earlier, he was already a dual World Cup-winning All Blacks midfielder and two-time Super Rugby champion with the Chiefs.
There was no gamble involved.
Williams had his moments at Eden Park - providing the match-wining offload to Ihaia West against the British and Irish Lions - but the Blues did not enjoy his prime years, with frequent injuries heavily restricting his on-field contributions.
Matt Duffie is the other cross-code addition to the Blues, joining from the Melbourne Storm in 2016. One year later, he made two non-test appearances on the wing for the All Blacks, only to eventually fade behind Clarke and Mark Telea and shift to Japan this season.
Duffie offers a somewhat fitting comparison for Tuivasa-Sheck. Starting his transition on the wing would allow time to ease into union without the added responsibilities that come with the fullback role, such as being a dual playmaker.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck during a Warriors warm up. Photo / Photosport
League, likewise, demands fullbacks create and ball play but for all the physical similarities, union is a different game and Tuivasa-Sheck would need time to adjust.
While the failed Marshall experiment tempers enthusiasm for further cross-code switches, signing Tuivasa-Sheck would be a no-brainer for the Blues, who have made no secret of their intent to chase the best talent.
Tuivasa-Sheck is a man of integrity and commitment; a class act on and off the field. The professional manner in which he led the Warriors last season, while isolated in Australia away from his two young children and wife, reflects his dedication to the cause.
A Premiership winner with the Roosters in 2013, Tuivasa-Sheck probably feels he has little left to prove or gain from remaining in the NRL.
Luring Tuivasa-Sheck would have significant implications for many players at the Blues, some of whom may already be anxiously glancing over shoulders at the news.
When Beauden Barrett returns from Japan for the 2022/23 seasons his preference is to play first-five in order to challenge Richie Mo'unga for that role with the All Blacks.
Throw Tuivasa-Sheck in the mix and such a logjam would leave Otere Black, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta, who has comfortably slotted in at fullback, and others questioning their respective futures.
Professional sport can be a ruthless industry.
Snatching Tuivasa-Sheck would represent a Williams-esque gain for union; a monumental loss for the Warriors, Kiwis and rugby league.
