NZ Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly considering a shock exit from the NRL cub.
Australia's Daily Telegraph claims that Tuivasa-Sheck is eyeing a shock cross-code switch, while stand-out forward Tohu Harris is also seeking a release from the embattled Auckland-based NRL side.
The prospect of being based in Australia and separated from their families again next season has both players eyeing a departure, the report adds.
Tuivasa-Sheck, who is the third-highest paid player in the NRL, has two years remaining on his $1 million-a-year deal, while Harris, who earns $700,000 a season, is on contract until the end of 2021.
The Telegraph reports that Super Rugby's Blues have reached out to Tuivasa-Sheck, while several NRL clubs have inquired about the availability of him and Harris.
The loss of both players - arguably the team's two premier talents - would be an enormous blow to the club's future.
After the Warriors' 26-20 win over the Wests Tigers a fortnight ago, interim coach Todd Payten revealed that Tuivasa-Sheck was "doing it tough" being away from his family .
"I feel for Roger," says Payten. "I think he's doing a tremendous job.
"To be fair, he's doing it tougher than all of us. He's our only Kiwi over here without his family and he's got two babies under three.
"I know he's a bit muddled with his feelings. He's always on the phone and it's tough for him.
"He's got to lead a club, he's got to lead a footy team and some days, I can just see the burden it carries on his shoulders.
"I know he's got family at home, which is really good, but I know how I feel - there are days when you just need them around."
Tuivasa-Sheck admitted his struggles in an interview with ABC Australia.
"I know what I signed up for when I came over," he said. "My partner, she knew what I was doing.
"I'm just lucky she has got a lot of support back home and the boys here have been supporting me heaps.
"There are a lot of good things happening around the club. I'm just trying my best to stay at task and focus on my job here, but I'm definitely missing my babies and my partner."
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