Cross-code star Honey Hireme-Smiler believes Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will thrive in rugby union

Honey Hireme-Smiler (L) and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Photo / Photosport

Former cross-code star Honey Hireme-Smiler has no doubts about Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's potential to make an impact in rugby union.

The Warriors captain will link with the Blues for the 2022 Super Rugby season and beyond, after it was confirmed last weekend that the 27-year-old was switching to the 15-man game.

Tuivasa-Sheck hasn't played rugby since he was a schoolboy, but Hireme-Smiler predicts he will be an unqualified success.

"He has the talent and ability to do so," Hireme-Smiler told the Herald.

"Roger has already played a whole lot of rugby through his school years and I think Roger is going to fit in to the rugby system, whether it is Super Rugby, All Blacks or Sevens…he may end up at the Olympics, who knows?

"Roger is such a talented athlete I have no doubts he will reach the pinnacle in rugby, in whichever team he chooses to play for."

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - Golden Boot 2019 during the NZRL awards. Photo / Photosport

The 39-year-old former double international has a better perspective than most, having mastered the different demands of each sport.

Hireme-Smiler played three World Cups for the Kiwi Ferns – winning two – before moving to rugby in her early 30s.

Hireme-Smiler represented the Black Ferns at the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup, where she was named in the tournament team, and also spent three seasons on the Sevens rugby circuit.

After her return to league, she was the top try scorer at the 2017 World Cup and prominent for the Dragons in the first season of the NRLW competition in 2018.

Honey Hireme-Smiler. Photo / Photosport

Though there will be significant adjustments, Hireme-Smiler backs Tuivasa-Sheck to overcome each challenge.

"He is one of the best athletes that we have in New Zealand and [that's] because he is so disciplined in terms of his fitness, conditioning, strength and all of that," said Hireme-Smiler.

"He will adjust fine; with his work ethic and discipline he is one of the fastest learners [in sport]. He will make a great second five, or centre, or fullback or wherever it is he fits into the team position wise."

"There will be a lot of current players in the Super Rugby and All Blacks environment that will be quite concerned that he is coming back."

There has been a mixed reaction to Tuivasa-Sheck's move, especially from league fans in New Zealand, disappointed that he has 'turned his back' on the Warriors.

But for Hireme-Smiler, the decision is symptomatic of the increasing freedom that talented professional athletes have to chart their own course.

"I'm stoked that Roger is making the switch," said Hireme-Smiler. "It is important that athletes get to choose what they want to do."

"I've probably been a bit of a trailblazer in that regard. I jumped from code to code because that is what I loved to do."