Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
A dazzling fullback who switched rugby codes at his peak, becoming a symbol of ambition and cultural pride for New Zealand and Samoa.
Born 1993 (age 33)·New Zealand and Samoa international dual-code rugby player·Birthday: June 5·Millennials
Biography
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's story is one of electrifying talent and bold reinvention. Born in Auckland to a Samoan father, his early rugby league career with the Sydney Roosters was meteoric, marked by a blistering sidestep and an NRL premiership by age 20. He became the Warriors' marquee signing and captain, a figurehead carrying the hopes of a nation. In a stunning move, he then pivoted to rugby union in 2022, aiming for the All Blacks, a testament to his relentless drive. While his union journey had challenges, his return to the Warriors in 2024 was a homecoming celebrated across the Pacific, solidifying his status as a player who chased greatness on his own terms.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Roger was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Roger Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Roger's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NRL Premiership with the Sydney Roosters in 2013.
- Awarded the prestigious Golden Boot Award in 2019 as the world's best rugby league player.
- Captained the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL from 2020 to 2021.
- Represented both New Zealand and Samoa at the international level in rugby league.
Did You Know?
He is known for his signature 'RTS sidestep,' a devastating evasive move that leaves defenders grasping.
Before his professional career, he was a standout touch rugby player.
His father, Roger Tuivasa, was also a rugby league player in New Zealand.
“Footwork isn't just about moving your feet; it's about moving the defender.”
