In the midst of a tough pre-season training schedule, up-and-coming youngster Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck took some time to sit with Roosters media team to discuss a wide range of topics.
Roosters | Johnny
How is your first pre-season going with the first grade squad?
It’s definitely tougher than I expected, but it’s good being around the older guys and using their experience.
I’ve learnt more in these past three weeks than I have over the last year.
You suffered an ankle injury in the Holden Cup Grand Final which saw you come from the field, how has the recovery been?
I decided to come back earlier to do rehab, so when we were due back I was 100% fit.
Speaking of the Holden Cup Grand Final, are you still buzzing from the big win?
Yeah a little bit! When I see the boys we always say “Far out, we actually won the Grand Final!”.
I guess we’re all starting to move on to the next chapter now though, now that we’ve got pre-season and there’s an opportunity to make the first grade squad next year.
You’ve won a title with the Roosters in S.G. Ball AND the Holden Cup, is there a part of you that has the attitude that you now have to win an NRL Premiership?
I think everyone starts a pre-season with the mind state of believing you can win the competition.
It’s a good mentality to have, because if you’re not looking to win it, then what are you fighting for?
I guess I am coming in with that mindset, but I’ve got to make the team first so that’s the number one goal.
Do you have any other goals that you’ve set yourself?
I think the main goal is making the starting 17, then I’ve got the smaller stuff like getting better under the high ball and some of the other 1 percenters.
The NRL Auckland Nines are coming up. You’re a guy with a lot of speed, would you put your hand up at the opportunity?
Definitely! There’s a lot of room to work with there, especially as a winger.
Getting an opportunity to show what I can do in that platform is something I’m definitely interested in, but you never know who Robbo is going to pick.
Do you think the Nines could be a platform to show off your potential ahead of the new season like it worked for Latrell Mitchell and Joseph Manu?
I think so, but I won’t look too far into it until I know if I’m going to play or not.
It’s up to Robbo who he wants to play, and if he wants me there I’ll be putting my hand up.
What are you focusing on the most at the moment?
At the moment I’m working really hard on my fitness, and handling the pressure of training with the guys in the top grade.
You’re at Film School at the moment, how are you going with that and training at the same time?
School hasn’t started yet, but I’ve done a bunch of short courses and absolutely love it.
It’s something I’m really passionate about, and it’s stuff I want to do before and after training.
It’s not a job, it’s not a burden, it’s something I really enjoy which makes handling the load of it easy.
You’re a bit of a social media genius with your Instagram and Facebook videos, how are the first grade guys enjoying them and do they plan to feature in any soon?
One of the recent videos I made was actually completely Ryan Matterson’s idea!
He calls us the ‘Sony Productions Crew’ and thinks we’re going to get famous.
They all know I make videos though, some of the guys even help me come up with ideas.
You can follow JTS on Facebook and Instagram to watch his videos!
