Wakefield Trinity Lands NRL Superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for 2027 Season

Wakefield Trinity has delivered a stunning statement of intent by securing the signature of National Rugby League superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from New Zealand Warriors for the 2027 season, marking one of the most significant player acquisitions in recent Super League history.

The 32-year-old dual-code international will join Trinity on a two-year contract, bringing his exceptional talents to Belle Vue as one of the biggest names to make the transition from Australia's premier rugby league competition to England's elite level.

Tuivasa-Sheck, who operates primarily as a full-back or winger, brings remarkable credentials to West Yorkshire. His NRL career spans 235 appearances since making his debut with Sydney Roosters in 2012, establishing himself as one of the competition's most dynamic and influential players.

The signing represents a major coup for Trinity, who have undergone significant transformation since returning to Super League following their relegation in 2023. Under Daryl Powell's leadership, the club has demonstrated ambitious recruitment policies that have already begun paying dividends.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join Wakefield and compete in Super League," Tuivasa-Sheck stated. "My family and I are really excited for the move and new challenge. From the conversations I've had, I can see the club is heading in a really positive direction and I'm looking forward to being part of that journey."

Tuivasa-Sheck's individual accolades speak to his exceptional quality as a player. In 2018, during his initial stint with the Warriors, he earned recognition as the NRL's full-back of the year while claiming the prestigious Dally M player of the year award. The following season brought international recognition when he received the Rugby League World Golden Boot Award for the world's best international player.

His career took an intriguing detour when he switched codes to pursue All Blacks ambitions with New Zealand Rugby. He achieved his goal, making his debut for the All Blacks against Ireland in Wellington during July 2022, playing at centre and earning two additional caps for the national team.

Following his return to rugby league in 2024, Tuivasa-Sheck made the significant decision to represent Samoa, his birth country, at international level. This switch reflected his deep connection to his Pacific Island heritage and added another dimension to his already distinguished career.

Steve Mills, Trinity's director of rugby, emphasized the transformative nature of the signing. "Bringing someone like Roger to Wakefield is a huge shift in the landscape of Super League," Mills explained. "We believe he is one of the final pieces to our puzzle and someone of his calibre and experience will only help propel the club towards silverware."

The acquisition comes as Wakefield continues building an internationally diverse squad under Powell's guidance. The club has already secured 2025 NRL Grand Final winner Tyson Smoothy from Brisbane Broncos and experienced Samoan hooker Jazz Tevaga from Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, but Tuivasa-Sheck represents the marquee addition to their reconstruction project.

Tuivasa-Sheck's arrival occurs at a particularly significant time for rugby league expansion. The new National Rugby League franchise Perth Bears will commence operations in 2027, the same season Tuivasa-Sheck joins Trinity. His decision to choose Super League over potential opportunities with the expansion franchise demonstrates Wakefield's growing appeal.

Powell expressed his excitement about the signing's impact. "He's a super high-quality signing for both the Super League competition and of course for Wakefield Trinity and we look forward to welcoming him into our family and helping us achieve our ambitions in the near future."

Wakefield has enjoyed an encouraging start to the 2026 Super League season, winning three of their opening five fixtures. This strong beginning builds on last year's impressive return to the top flight, when they reached the play-offs by finishing sixth before falling to Leigh in the eliminator round.

The club continues their current campaign with an upcoming fixture against York Knights on Friday evening, as they work to establish themselves among Super League's elite while building toward their star-studded 2027 campaign.