Blues fans aren't the only ones eagerly anticipating the unveiling of league convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for this year's Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Rival midfielders are lining up to take a crack at the former NZ Warriors captain, when he eventually makes his rugby return for the Blues this season.
Hurricanes recruit Tei Walden, for one, is licking his lips at the prospect of marking the former Dally M Medal winner as the NRL's best player of 2018.
After missing the entire National Provincial Championship through Auckland's COVID-19 lockdown, Tuivasa-Sheck - a fullback or wing in the 13-man code - has been projected as a second-five by Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
"It's pretty cool to see him change codes and come back to rugby," says Walden. "I know he played during his school years and he was awesome back then.
"If I did get the opportunity to mark him, it would definitely be an awesome challenge for me. I've always liked marking some of my idols growing up - the likes of Sonny Bill [Williams] and that - so it would definitely be a cool moment.
Walden, 28, has landed in Wellington, after five years and 33 games as a kingpin in the Highlanders backline, but missing the entire 2021 season with an Achilles tendon injury.
The Māori All Black captained Taranaki to their unbeaten NPC championship triumph and will likely slot into second-five, where the Hurricanes have lost former international Ngani Laumape to Stade Francais.
"Ngani was a huge part of this club and he's been a great player," says Walden, who played with and against Laumape through age grades.
"He's going to be a big loss. I guess I don't bring the physical presence he does to this team, but hopefully I can add other areas around my leadership and communication.
"I've got to grow those parts of my game too, so any opportunity I get, I'll try my best to fill those shoes."
The Hurricanes will open their Super Rugby Pacific account against the Crusaders at Christchurch on February 19.
