Just hours after the Warriors experienced their first loss of the NRL season, they faced another unexpected blow.
Dual international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has confirmed that he will depart at the end of the season, having signed a two-year contract with Super League's Wakefield Trinity.
The 32-year-old, who has made 236 NRL appearances and scored 75 tries, has yet to find the try line in 2026. He has also represented both New Zealand and Samoa on the international stage in rugby league.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join Wakefield and compete in Super League," Tuivasa-Sheck stated on the club's website.
"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."
Previously, he played two seasons in Super Rugby Pacific with the Blues, aiming for a spot in the All Blacks for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but he was ultimately not selected.
Tuivasa-Sheck made three appearances for New Zealand's rugby team, with his debut occurring against Ireland in Wellington back in July 2022.
After starting the NRL season with three wins, the Warriors fell 32-14 at home to Wests Tigers on Friday night, preventing them from climbing above Penrith in the standings.
Under coach Andrew Webster, Tuivasa-Sheck has been a constant presence, playing every minute of the current campaign since debuting for the Sydney Roosters in 2012 and spending four years there before moving to the Warriors.