Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, the star player for the Warriors, is reportedly on the verge of becoming the first player from the NRL to join the newly emerging Rugby360 league, backed by Saudi investment. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, discussions are underway for a potential deal in 2027 that could see Tuivasa-Sheck’s earnings nearly double his current salary, which is around $550,000 annually, as he is due to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Having previously played for the Auckland Blues in Super Rugby during the 2022 and 2023 seasons before returning to the NRL, this wouldn’t be Tuivasa-Sheck’s first departure from the Warriors. Warriors CEO Cameron George acknowledged the interest Rugby360 has shown in Tuivasa-Sheck but refrained from elaborating on the situation when approached by the media.
George has expressed concerns regarding the financial allure of the new league, warning that top players might earn salaries reaching up to $3.1 million, a substantial increase compared to Kalyn Ponga’s current record deal of $1.4 million with the Newcastle Knights. At a recent meeting with NRL CEOs, he emphasised the potential impact of Rugby360 on player recruitment, stating awareness of the significant financial possibilities it presents.
In addition to Tuivasa-Sheck, prominent players like Ryan Papenhuyzen of the Storm and Nelson Asofa-Solomona have also attracted attention from Rugby360. Underpinned by private equity and Saudi Arabian funds, the league aims to operate similarly to Formula 1, hosting matches across major global cities over 16 rounds, with plans for its inaugural season in 2026.
As Rugby360 continues to build momentum, it presents a genuine challenge to the NRL’s player retention strategies, potentially reshaping the landscape of rugby talent in Australia and beyond.