Even by the standards of the Warriors' colourful past, yesterday was one of the more extraordinary in the club's history.
The premature departure of Sam Tomkins was overshadowed by the signing of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Tomkins will be missed at Mt Smart but Tuivasa-Sheck is a much better long-term investment. The2013 Dally M winger of the year has already played 62 NRL games but is still only 21. If things go well, he could be at the club for the best part of a decade.
Tuivasa-Sheck is a proven talent on the flanks but more importantly could be a tremendous fullback.
He's quick and incredibly elusive, with a huge sidestep. The Otahuhu College product is also a good defender, and his support play and ability to set up his outsides will only improve with time.
The signing is also an important show of faith in the new Warriors regime under coach Andrew McFadden and chief executive Jim Doyle. Ryan Hoffman and Bodene Thompson were good acquisitions but Tuivasa-Sheck is a genuine marquee player.
Meanwhile, what to make of Tomkins, who was the subject of a huge transfer fee and touted as one of the biggest signings in the Warriors' history? Last year his eventual numbers were impressive (13 tries and 12 try assists in 24 games), after a mixed start to the season. The 26-year-old has struggled with the physicality of the NRL and isn't always the most convincing in the last line of defence. But his presence has lifted the Warriors attack to another level, and their set plays are at a level not seen since 2011. His combination with Shaun Johnson is one of the most dangerous in the NRL.
What to make of Sam Tomkins, who was the subject of a huge transfer fee and touted as one of the biggest signings in the Warriors' history? Photo / Michael Craig
But Tomkins was never a long-term proposition. Speculation began midway through last season that he might not see out his contract and it was never realistic that he would stay beyond the original three-year term.
