With the impending return of former captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to NZ Warriors, all eyes have moved to the team's backline depth, which a midfield logjam developing for the 2024 season.
Coach Andrew Webster has hinted the former Dally M Medal winner will not oust Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback, where he won the NRL's highest individual honour, but will likely slot into the centres, where he won All Blacks selection in his much-hyped code switch two years ago.
The Warriors are already well stocked at those positions, with Adam Pompey playing every minute of every game so far this season, and Brayden Wiliame, Viliami Vailea, Ali Leiataua and even Marcelo Montoya all logging time in the midfield.
With RTS, Pompey and Leiataua confirmed for next year, highly promising Vailea has had to look elsewhere for first-grade exposure, signing to join North Queensland Cowboys from 2024.
Amid the chaos, Rocco Berry has quietly made himself almost indispensible, since making his season debut against Canterbury Bulldogs in round 11.
Last month, he starred in a 44-12 romp over Cronulla Sharks, scoring a try, assisting on two others and running for 129 metres. Perhaps most importantly, he has formed a special relationship with flying winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, averaging more than a try a game - the best in the competition.
"We love Roc," said Webster. "The biggest thing about him is his effort has been unbelievable.
"I think everyone's starting to see the class he has as well. He's worked really hard on his game, he's finally getting a break injurywise."
Named to face Manly Sea Eagles on Friday, Berry, 22, reveals staying healthy has been the key to his consistency.
"Probably the main thing is getting your body right each week," he said. "That's probably something I struggled with early in my career.
"I've had a lot of injuries, so I'm stuff away from the footy field to get my body right each week.
"Diet helps and stretching down on the mats before training... prehab with soft tissue injuries. You can prevent them, if you stay on top of your body."
High performance sport is in Berry's pedigree, with dad Marty a one-test All Black in 1986, who toured with the national side again seven years later, only to break his ankle early on their UK itinerary.
Standing 1.88m (6ft 2in) and weighing just 85kg, Berry Jr admits diet presents a particular challenge for him.
"I've usually been trying to put on weight most of my career," he said. "I've been a bit of a runt, so I've tried to forcefeed sometimes.
"That's been a change."
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