Former NZ Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has revealed how challenging his switch to rugby union has been, with Auckland's latest COVID-19 outbreak stalling his much-anticipated domestic debut.
But the Blues recruit is now doing his part to ensure when the region comes out of lockdown, it stays that way.
Tuivasa-Sheck has jumped at the chance to help out in his city, joining other Pasifika sporting stars, after a call from NPC coach Alama Ieremia to help push the vaccination message in South Auckland.
"Supporting the Pacific community, supporting South Auckland and just supporting people who want to get vaccinated…"
Tuivasa-Sheck, 28, knows COVID's impact all too well, with his debut national championship season ended before it even started.
"I just miss it," he tells Newshub. "I miss the action, I miss playing rugby or rugby league."
And while he's adamant he could play tomorrow, Tuivasa-Sheck concedes there are aspects of union he's still getting used to.
"It's about learning to catch a ball, making sure I'm not getting tackled and playing the ball, or presenting the ball when I'm getting tackled - all those technical things.
"The toughest part has probably been the rucks and just making sure I understand, when I'm clearing out, that I'm not going too high or too low."
Where does Ieremia see him fitting in?
"You'd better ask the Blues that," he chuckles. "We had him playing on the wing for us, but he's talented.
"It won't take him long to get the game."
Until then, Tuivasa-Sheck's committed to helping his community get double-jabbed.
"I've had a few needles in my time," he says. "There are a lot of experts there on the day and we can put trust in them.
"I'll be here giving my support."
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