Last night’s tense, nail-biting Dally M count saw Warriors fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck walk away with the highest individual honour in the NRL; the first time a member of the Warriors has secured the award, and the first time since 2012 that the medal has gone to a fullback. But what stole the show completely was how his Warriors teammates reacted after Tuivasa-Sheck was presented with the award.
Two of his Warriors compatriots – Issac Luke and Jazz Tevaga – along with Brisbane Broncos player Jamayne Isaako and Jordan Rapana of the Canberra Raiders all rose to their feet and honoured Tuivasa-Sheck with an emotional and moving impromptu haka that brought the 25-year-old to the verge of tears.
The packed crowd at Circular Quay fell bone silent as it unfolded, erupting into rapturous applause as it concluded.
WOW.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won the #DallyM award and three of his Kiwi teammates broke out a spontaneous haka in the ballroom.
That is what respect looks like.
👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ZYE2IHdAG0
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) September 26, 2018
How bloody good.
Luke later embraced Tuivasa-Sheck after the awards concluded, captured on camera in a stirring image of mateship and brotherhood.
Brothers ✊#DallyM #NRL pic.twitter.com/Knicnrx2dG
— NRL (@NRL) September 26, 2018
Speaking to media after the awards, Tuivasa-Sheck noted how much the moment meant to him, particularly given his close friend Luke was a part of it.
Back home when something happens, the haka is performed to bring up a special occasion and just to be receiving one is a big honour. To have Bully [Issac Luke], a close friend of mine, do it for me and a close group of friends there was truly special for me.
Extremely good gear, that. Sometimes sport is a wonderful, wonderful thing.
