NRL: Warriors re-sign captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on four-year contract extension

Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has turned down the All Blacks and re-signed with the Auckland-based NRL club on a four-year deal.

Following months of speculation around his playing future and rumours rife he was set to pack his bags and exit the Warriors to make a cross-code switch to rugby, the 24-year old fullback agreed to terms with the club late last week and put pen to paper this afternoon on a multi-million dollar contract extension that will keep him in rugby league through until at least the end of the 2022 season.

As first reported by the Herald on Monday, Tuivasa-Sheck knocked back a strong approach from New Zealand Rugby and the chance to earn an All Blacks jersey, as well as interest from a long line of rival NRL clubs, to recommit to the Penrose-based franchise he joined in 2016.

The 24-year-old Kiwi international shares a joke at training earlier today. Photo / NZ Herald Jason Oxenham.

Warriors CEO Cameron George announced the good news a short time ago at the club's season launch in Auckland this evening, ahead of next week's campaign opening clash against South Sydney in Perth on March 10.

The Kiwi international told the Herald he remains determined to help the Warriors improve and achieve success after injury and poor results marred the last two seasons.

Remaining in Auckland was also a big factor in his decision, as he looks forward to moving into the next chapter of his life with his fiancée Ashley Walker.

"It just ticked a lot of boxes for me," Tuivasa-Sheck said.

"This is where I want to be in this stage of my life. I want to be in Auckland with my family and my partner Ashley and the opportunity to play footy and the challenge was here.

"I like driving myself to meet a challenge and that's what's here at the Warriors.

"Unfortunately we haven't gone so well so that's really burning inside me to change that."

George was thrilled the club were able to secure Tuivasa-Sheck's talents long-term and believes the length of his new contract sends an important message to Warriors supporters and stakeholders, while giving the club a tremendous boost going into round one.

"We have one of the superstars of the game demonstrating to our fan base and corporate partners that he believes in what we're doing here," said George.

"And there wasn't any shortage of interest around his services, so for him to put us above and beyond any other opportunity presented to him is a real credit to the club and to our members and fans.

"Roger has that burning desire for this club to succeed. He's passionate about doing it for our fanbase and really wants to lead us down a path where we all want to go.

"As a footballer he's going to develop into one of the best of all time, I've got no doubt about that, and likewise as a leader.

"To have him choose this club above all of the other opportunities is really good."

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney reiterated George's comments, describing the announcement as "fantastic news".

"It's a real positive," said Kearney.

"What is says is he's a young guy who's really driven to succeed and he's committed to the club so he wants to see that success here at the Warriors.

"It's wonderful news for the team, members and everyone involved in the footy club."

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