'He's carving': The change Warriors hope will unlock RTS

Warriors veteran Dylan Walker has backed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to recreate the form that saw him claim the Dally M Winger of the Year award in 2013. 

The 31-year-old is set to return to the wing this season in a move that could prove a masterstroke by coach Andrew Webster. After missing last week's opening Witzer Pre-Season Challenge clash with a minor niggle, Tuivasa-Sheck will wear the No.2 jumper for Saturday's game against Melbourne. 

The speedster starred on the left flank during his first full season in the top flight, playing a key role in the Roosters' charge to the NRL premiership. 

Since then, he has shifted to fullback, centre and even tried his hand at rugby union but Walker said Tuivasa-Sheck looks at home in his return to the wing.

"He's been carving man," Walker told NRL.com. "He's got me a lot of times. I'm not the first and I'm not going to be the last. 

"Roger's first year in the NRL he was a winger and he won Winger of the Year so we expect a lot from him this year."

Tuivasa-Sheck's shift to the wing comes amid a wider change in the role of outside backs in the modern game. 

Whereas wingers were previously viewed as speedsters whose primary role was to finish off attacking plays, they have developed into some of the most important players on the field.

The frenetic pace of NRL games has seen wingers take crucial carries at the start of sets to provide tired forwards with the chance to catch a breath. Penrith's Brian To'o is among the best exponents of this tactic, the stocky back getting his team rolling forward with powerful hit ups deep inside their own half. 

Wingers also play a crucial role defensively, often rushing in to shut down opposition attacking raids.

Despite the changing nature of the position, speed and the ability to produce a spectacular finish remain crucial qualities for elite wingers to possess. 

Webster has used the summer to work out where the jigsaw pieces fall in his backline, ultimately settling on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad as his fullback to start the year, with Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on the wing. Adam Pompey looks set to start 2025 in the centres, with Ali Leiataua likely to join him there. 

The Warriors were dealt a blow just minutes into the pre-season when Watene-Zelezniak suffered a fractured and dislocated wrist, with the winger set to undergo surgery and expected to miss the opening weeks of the campaign. Taine Tuaupiki is his most likely replacement.

Tuivasa-Sheck returned to rugby league last season and spent most of the year in the centres, however there has been considerable discussion in Auckland about how to get the most out of the star athlete.

The 31-year-old is a strong, powerful player with the speed to burn opponents and strength to fight through weak tackles. He is safe under the high ball and an excellent defender.

While he is not as tall as Zac Lomax, the shift to the wing could have a similar impact for Tuivasa-Sheck and the Warriors as Lomax's move last year. The former Dragon had the best season of his career, averaging more running metres and line breaks than any other year and earning NSW and Australian selection.

Stats don't paint the full picture, but it's telling Tuivasa-Sheck scored three tries in three games played on the wing last year. He scored two tries in the 13 games he started in the centres.

Walker has had a front-row seat to the evolution of wingers throughout his career and said Tuivasa-Sheck is perfectly placed to thrive in his new role.