Results from another huge weekend of sport. Video / NZ Herald
Over the next few weeks Roger Tuivasa-Sheck looks set to make way for gun youngster Reece Walsh, in a remarkable positional reshuffle at the Warriors.
Despite being arguably the best fullback in the world, the Warriors captain may fill another backline position in the foreseeable future, to accommodate the talentsof Walsh.
That was the indication from coach Nathan Brown, after Walsh's impressive debut at fullback in Sunday's 42-20 loss to the Storm.
A heavily depleted Warriors team gave up eight tries – and were close to conceding several more – but Walsh had some strong moments in a sparky display.
Tuivasa-Sheck was stationed on the right wing, in place of the injured David Fusitu'a. It was his first game on the flank since 2014 and he looked uncomfortable at times, while the team missed his leadership and communication from the back.
Reece Walsh as he walks towards his friends and family after the round seven Anzac Day NRL match. Photo / Photosport
But any thoughts of a one-off switch, to allow Walsh a comfortable debut, appeared to be scotched by Brown, who suggested that he wants to include both players in the 17.
"Recruiters buy good players and coaches have to get them to fit in the team somehow, that's what our job is," said Brown. "We have got to work out a way to get our best players playing and initially, that looks like to us that it's not a bad way."
Brown pointed out that Tuivasa-Sheck hadn't been limited to a traditional winger's role, as he shuttled inside when the Warriors had possession.
"He might have defended on the wing, but Rog actually played five eighth," said Brown. "He was paying as a first and second receiver on the right side of the field so he played a reasonably similar style of to what he has been playing anyway."
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Photo / Photosport
The overall idea might shock many Warriors diehards, but Brown painted it as a best of both worlds scenario, saying such positional innovation had worked in the past.
"Preston Campbell won a comp for Penrith defending on the wing and playing five eighth (2003) and Shaun Berrigan won a comp for the Broncos (2006) playing hooker and defending in the centres."
Reece Walsh. Photo / Photosport
"[In the second half] we saw Rog have a lot of good quality touches of the ball, where he created some half breaks and line breaks. And obviously you could see Reece's talent there, he's a very talented kid and he's got speed."
"Obviously where Reece is at physically will play a part. But when you look at the second [half] and when we got some defensive things right and started to use the ball a little bit…we have certainly got the makings of a football team in there."
It was a vastly changed line-up, bearing almost no resemblance to the team that started the season. Rocco Berry, son of former All Black Marty, made his debut at centre while Bayley Sironen underlined his versatility at five eighth.
With Tohu Harris scratched due to concussion concerns, Kane Evans was the only starting forward aged over 25, with Jack Murchie and Josh Curran forming a rookie back row.
"It was the perfect time for my liking," said Brown. "We have got a fair number of people not playing, good, experienced players, so for some of the young blokes to gain some experience was great [and] it doesn't get any tougher than coming here."
It was a patchy performance from the Warriors, who started well in both halves but struggled to cope with the pace and power of the NRL premiers.
However, with injured players to return over the next few weeks, Brown is optimistic about the future.
"I saw plenty of good signs in the second half," said Brown. "We've got to get the physical part of our defence right against the better sides, because that's where we're losing our way a little bit at times."
