There is a buzz around the Otahuhu College product, a local boy coming back to the Warriors in the prime of his career. You could feel it in Otara at the Warriors' community event on Thursday, and he was mobbed today in Aotea Square at the Nines fan day.
"He's a superstar of our game," said former Warrior and current Sea Eagle Feleti Mateo. "You can understand the excitement ... the expectation around the Warriors from everyone. A guy like Roger brings a lot to any team but he'll also help take some pressure off Shaun [Johnson]."
Today is the first look at the Johnson-Tuivasa-Sheck combination, part of the new Warriors' all-star spine. It might take some time for the two to click, but they are on their way.
"We are learning about each other," said Johnson. "You build on it every day. [Today] is different because it is Nines, but it all counts towards the main goal."
Tuivasa-Sheck came close to signing with the Warriors in 2011, before the Roosters came in with a last ditch offer to trump his home town team. After four years of learning his trade in Bondi, today is the first chapter of his homecoming.
"I was excited to come back," said Tuivasa-Sheck. "It was the next step. Now the hard work starts but it's an exciting challenge ... you always want to improve yourself as a player."
The Warriors face the Bulldogs first up today (12.20pm), with Greg Eastwood leading the Sydney side for the first time. The long time Kiwi admits he was "tearing up" when he missed out on the end of season tour to England last year, but has used it as motivation during a prolonged pre-season.
"I want to get back in the Kiwis, that's the pinnacle," said Eastwood. "But it all starts with club form, you have to earn it."
The Bulldogs have some name players in the forwards but are missing almost their entire first choice backline, making the Warriors clash a tough assignment.
"Let's hope we catch them cold first up," joked Eastwood. "Otherwise it's not going to be fun chasing Roger and Shaun around Eden Park."
The Warriors face the Sea Eagles at 6.15pm, one of 17 matches tomorrow, before their final pool game against the Broncos (12.40pm) on Sunday. It makes Sunday a logistical challenge, with four games scheduled for both of the eventual finalists.
"We'll have to manage ourselves carefully but it is all part of it," said Johnson. The club will take a wait and see approach with their halfback, and his minutes may be restricted across the two days.
As well as the Nines action, the Kiwi Ferns will continue their longstanding rivalry with the Jillaroos tomorrow.
Their games last year were arguably some of the most compelling action across the weekend, and they have the first of three clashes at 4pm.
