Rugby League: Feet on the ground, aiming for the stars

High-stepping Kiwis fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck strides out during training in Brisbane yesterday. Photo / Getty Images

Dad’s words keep Tuivasa-Sheck anchored.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a bit different. Not only does he have unique skills on the field, but the Kiwis fullback also has some rare qualities off it.

He could be drowning in the hype, having made a brilliant start to the season for the Roosters and then signing a lucrative deal with the Warriors.

It's heady stuff for a 21-year-old, who is now seen as a lynch pin for the Kiwis and also someone who can spark the Warriors to long awaited success.

But he remains the same humble kid from South Auckland; well mannered and polite, confident without being brash.

"You get [those expectations] on the outside, but inside is where my dad is," said Tuivasa-Sheck. "He always keeps me grounded, he's my inside voice. He tells me I'm not there yet, and that's the main voice I listen to."

Tuivasa-Sheck is determined not to be a shooting star.

"I know a lot of players from back at school who had an achievement and they just lived off that and that's pretty much where they are, they just stayed there," said Tuivasa-Sheck.

"But my dad told me if I keep working, stay humble and let other people do the talking then everything would be all right."

Others have certainly noticed.

"To see the progress he has made from winger -- and a good one -- to one of the form fullbacks in the NRL makes you appreciate his talent and his willingness to learn," said Kiwis teammate Sam Moa. "He's a student of the game and doesn't just rely on his natural ability. Fullback is one of the hardest positions to play these days and he could reach heights that will make him a legend."

Tonight Tuivasa-Sheck could begin a new era in Kiwis fullback play. Some good players have worn the No 1 jersey -- from Gary Kemble and Darrell Williams, to Matthew Ridge and Richie Barnett.

Tuivasa-Sheck now has the chance to own the jersey for the next decade. With his array of skills and down-to-earth attitude, there are no limits to how good he might become.

He has carried for an NRL-high 210 metres a game this season for the Roosters, part of the reason there was such consternation in Sydney when he confirmed his Warriors move.

"The main reason came down to family," said Tuivasa-Sheck of his big decision."I love the Roosters for helping me and my family get to live in Sydney. Now the Warriors have given me a chance to start me and my partner's life and hopefully give us time to create our family time now."

He also said he had no intention of changing his mind.

"I want to be true to my word and that's what I'm going to do," said Tuivasa-Sheck.

He is enjoying the switch from wing and has dropped some weight to cope with the extra running. The biggest challenge is being vocal enough to direct the team from the back.

"It's tough, especially when you've got big, angry players like Sam Moa and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves," laughs Tuivasa-Sheck. "But they trust me and want me to do it, so I've got to believe in myself and step up."