New Zealand Warriors consultant Phil Gould has downplayed the impact Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s bombshell decision will have on the club’s final preparations for the 2021 NRL season. Despite having two seasons remaining on his lucrative four-year deal with the Auckland club, the 27-year-old has been granted an early release to chase his rugby union dream in 2022. The veteran of 178 NRL games for the Roosters and Warriors played both codes as a student at Auckland’s Otahuhu College and represented the New Zealand Schoolboys in the 15-man game. He has been linked with Super Rugby franchise the Auckland Blues as he looks to press his claims for a berth in the All Blacks squad for the 2023 Rugby Union World Cup.