A Swift and Strategic Move
Wakefield Trinity’s recruitment boss, Ste Mills, has shared insights into the rapid process that led to one of the most significant signings in English Super League history—Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The move, which surprised many in the rugby league world, was executed with remarkable speed, highlighting the importance of relationships and communication in securing top-tier talent.
Tuivasa-Sheck, a standout player for the Warriors, made his decision public through his brother Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck’s YouTube channel, revealing he had signed with Wakefield for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. This announcement came just a day before the club officially confirmed the deal, showcasing the efficiency of the negotiation process.
A Career Shift
This move marks a potential shift in Tuivasa-Sheck’s career, as he considers leaving the NRL after years of playing for the Warriors. Initially, there were discussions about a possible return to rugby union or a move to an Australian club. However, the opportunity with Wakefield appears to have sealed his future in England.
Mills emphasized that the entire deal took only “about five or six days,” a timeline that left both his coaching staff and the broader Super League community caught off guard. “It happened really sharp, if I’m honest,” he said. “I don’t think most of the coaching staff really believed me when I first brought it up.”
The Role of Relationships
A key factor in the successful signing was the existing relationship between Tuivasa-Sheck and Jazz Tevaga, who also joined Wakefield in 2025. Both players share the same agent, and this connection played a crucial role in facilitating the deal.
“Communication with agents is essential,” Mills explained. “I got told when I took this job on that it’s all about relationships. You’re waiting for the day that a Roger Tuivasa-Sheck comes up. Fortunately, he has the same agent as Jazz Tevaga, and we’ve built up a great relationship.”
Mills added that the club aims to secure deals quickly, ensuring they can act before other teams catch wind of the opportunity. “Every deal we do we try to wrap it up as soon as we can. I was pretty keen to do it before anyone else found out.”
A Challenging Process
Despite the swift nature of the deal, the process was not without its challenges. Mills admitted to having “a couple of sleepless nights” while finalizing the agreement. “The morning the deal got done, I’d had around two hours sleep and was up at around one or two in the morning,” he said. “Needless to say, it was worthwhile.”
Focus on the Present
While Tuivasa-Sheck is now set to join Wakefield, he remains committed to helping the Warriors achieve their goal of winning their first NRL premiership this season. The team started the year strongly but faced a setback with a home loss to the Wests Tigers.
With a nine-day turnaround before their next game against the Cronulla Sharks, the Warriors have a chance to regroup and refocus. Tuivasa-Sheck, a veteran with 236 games under his belt and 25 Test appearances for New Zealand and Samoa, is expected to play a pivotal role.
In four games this season, Tuivasa-Sheck hasn’t scored any tries, but he has contributed with two try assists and averages an impressive 182 metres per game. His experience and skill set make him a valuable asset for the Warriors as they aim to climb the ladder and secure their first major title.
