Andrew Webster has made a big decision, shifting Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the wing in a move that could unlock the Warriors’ marquee recruit.
It’s clear for all to see Anthony Seibold had to keep Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while a Dogs recruit’s importance is on full show this week.
Read below for the biggest talking points out of Round 20!
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WHY WING SWITCH WILL UNLOCK RTS
The wing position has become increasingly important to any NRL team’s success in recent years.
Wingers are the first players to take a hit-up on a kick return, with players like Brian To’o and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak showing there’s more to playing on an edge than just scoring tries.
Five of the players in the top ten for running metres play their trade on the wing, with Jacob Kiraz, Brian To’o, Daniel Tupou, Kyle Feldt and Ronaldo Mulitalo all featuring.
And the Warriors have a man who is one of the most dangerous ballrunners in the competition in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The former Dally M Medallist has played 61 NRL games on the wing, with most coming at the start of his career at the Roosters.
But with the role of a winger changing since that time, Tuivasa-Sheck has the potential to fit the bill and excel after making the move one wider in the backline in Round 20.
He’s already played one game on the wing this season for the Warriors, scoring a try and running for 156 metres to go with three tackle breaks and a line break.
Tuivasa-Sheck has been solid in the centres, but he’s set to get the ball in hard more often this round and also will likely be in stronger attacking positions.
Therefore, Warriors fans could see the full scope of his abilities against the Raiders.
Meanwhile, Andrew Webster has previously admitted he believes he’s not given his star recruit the tools to succeed in his new position.
“I have been pretty open and honest that I don’t feel like I have made it work as well as it could,” Webster said.
“The vision was to come here and get a player like that involved, get their hands on the ball.
“We’ve seen it in glimpses, haven’t we?… I just wish he had more opportunities to do it.
“That’s part of my responsibility, to give him more opportunities to show what he can do… the wingers actually get more ball these days than the centres.”
‘I’m always pretty nervous’ | 01:46
SEIBOLD’S TELLING TRBOJEVIC DECISION
One thing was certain in the Sea Eagles’ win over the Knights in Round 19 — Manly are a better team with Tom Trbojevic at fullback.
Anthony Seibold made a decision to ease him back into action in the centres in Round 18, returning from a hamstring injury.
However, after a quiet performance in the position, and an injury to Tolu Koula who was tasked with filling the No.1 jersey, Seibold quickly backflipped on his call.
Following his return in the centres, rugby league legend Mal Meninga made a big prediction.
“He’s just feeling his way through. Eventually when he gets himself back to play footy he’ll be the superstar that he is,” Meninga said.
However, even the Kangaroos coach couldn’t have expected Trbojevic to play the way he did against Newcastle.
Trbojevic returned to the back and delivered a masterclass, tallying five linebreak assists, two try assists and a four-pointer of his own.
It’s clear that if the Sea Eagles are any chance of competition for a premiership, Trbojevic has to play fullback.
What’s more is he delivered that performance without Daly Cherry-Evans, who knows exactly how to put his superstar in the right position to cause havoc.
Currently Manly sit in seventh position on the NRL ladder, and their run home isn’t the toughest across the competition.
They have a bye, and also play the Titans, Roosters, Raiders, Warriors, Tigers, Bulldogs and Sharks, with more than half of those games they’d be confident of winning.
And with a Turbo-charged fullback, Seibold will be confident his side will feature in the finals.
Blues not focused on embracing the hate | 01:53
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THE DOGS’ SIGNING FLYING UNDER THE RADAR
Stephen Crichton has been heralded as the Bulldogs’ best signing this season, and rightfully so.
The NSW superstar is arguably the best centre in the competition and has led Cameron Ciraldo’s side in a manner that not many expected after being handed the captaincy.
However, one man’s importance to this Canterbury-Bankstown outfit has flown under the radar — Josh Curran.
Having been on the outer at the Warriors and being granted a release, Curran was handed a two-year contract with the Bulldogs.
Across his 16 appearances this season he’s played mainly off the bench, but has also featured at prop, lock and in the back row.
The 25-year-old has been one of the Dogs’ most consistent forwards has been an excellent signing for a club who were desperate for middle forwards.
Now he’s set to be handed the starting prop position following a wrist injury to Max King, who is another vital player for Ciraldo’s men.
But if Curran’s performances up until this point are anything to go by, he’s set to deliver yet again and fill the gaping hole left by King.
What’s more is Curran is set to become a free agent in November and could negotiate with rivals for the 2026 season.
However, Dogs powerbrokers are unlikely to let that happen and he’s likely set to become a key cog in the middle at Belmore for years to come.