New Zealand rugby league star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck switches from Kiwis to play for Samoa

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has pledged his allegiance to Samoa, opting to prioritise the Pacific nation ahead of New Zealand in one of the biggest international swaps of this decade.

The Warriors star had been in talks with Samoa ever since his decision to return to rugby league late last year, following a stint in Super Rugby and with the All Blacks.

One of New Zealand’s most accomplished players with 20 Tests and a Dally M Medal, Tuivasa-Sheck has ultimately decided to honour the nation of his birth and heritage.

His switch comes ahead of Samoa’s maiden Test tour of England in late October/November, meaning the dual-international will not play for New Zealand in this year’s Pacific Championships.

It also strengthens Samoa’s desire to be a legitimate force for the 2026 World Cup under coach Ben Gardiner, after reaching the final in 2022.

Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton already represent the country, while the likes of Su’a Faalogo are among those coming through.

But in Tuivasa-Sheck they have another out-and-out star capable of drawing in even more talent.

“He’s been very complimentary about the opportunity to play for Samoa,” Gardiner said.

“He has said if his form merits it he would like to make himself available.

“When I’ve talked to Roger it’s always been about building to the World Cup.

“We’re trying to build a team so that when Samoa goes to the World Cup in 2026, everyone has played together and knows the styles and systems we have.

“It gives us an opportunity to take Samoa one better the next time around.”

Several big names have also featured in merit sides named by Samoa each month this season, including the likes of Tuivasa-Sheck, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Payne Haas.

Gardiner is also hopeful Tuivasa-Sheck will not be the last to switch from a tier-one nation this year, with the Penrith assistant having talked to close to 60 players across the NRL in 2024.