Tuivasa-Sheck made crucial tackle with torn hamstring in win over Roosters

Warriors coach Andrew Webster paid tribute to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck after the champion utility back made a crucial tackle with a torn hamstring in Friday night’s 14-6 win against Sydney Roosters in Auckland.

With the visitors clinging to a 6-4 lead in the 55th minute, Roosters winger Dominic Young burst clear and set sail for the corner, only to encounter a desperate last-ditch tackle from Tuivasa-Sheck and Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Kolkstad that prevented him from grounding the ball over the line.

Tuivasa-Sheck was only on the field because the Warriors hadn’t had a chance to replace him after he was injured a minute earlier. He limped off immediately afterwards and faces an indefinite stint on the sidelines.

“Roger had already torn his hamstring … then he gets back and makes a try-saver and a tackle in the corner when his hamstring’s already gone,” Webster said.

“Those big plays, they were happening everywhere. You need them … they’re just big moment, on a fast guy like Dom Young in the corner.”

Roosters coach Trent Robinson, who coached Tuivasa-Sheck for four years at Bondi Junction, was not surprised by his former protege’s courageous effort.

“That’s Rog,” Robinson said. “He’s a good man and a great player and a selfless player, and they come up with those plays.”

The Warriors scored twice after denying Young, to post a win that exorcised some longstanding demons.

It was their first victory against the Roosters since March, 2018, ending an eight-game losing streak.