He may only be a few weeks back into his second stint with NZ Warriors, but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's influence on his teammates is already apparent to coach Andrew Webster.
After an ill-fated stint with the Blues and Auckland in rugby union, Tuivasa-Sheck has returned to the 13-man code for 2024, and to the side he once captained.
However the team that the 30-year-old left is very different than the one he'll return to.
For a start, the fullback spot - which Tuivasa-Sheck won the coveted Dally M Medal playing in - is no longer available, while the club's fortunes have turned around markedly under Webster.
But after coming to the Warriors from the now three-time defending premiers Penrith Panthers, Webster knows success will be built on a strong squad, rather than starting 13.
And with such a strong emphasis on having a core of players who can perform at the highest level week in, week out, Tuivasa-Sheck is doing his bit in making sure his new teammates are up to standard.
"Roger's put a few of them on their toes, but he's going to make a few of them better too," said Webster.
"It's not about Rog. He wants to win, and he wants to win in the town he's from at the club he loves.
"He knows to do that, he's got to do it with other people. That's why he's so good.
"He makes people better around him."
After two years out of rugby league, Tuivasa-Sheck would be forgiven if he was slow to returning to full speed.
What's more, his time in rugby union was frustrating to say the least, as injuries and poor form ultimately cost him a place in the All Blacks' plans at the Rugby World Cup in France.
But now back in the code in which he made his name, Webster says Tuivasa-Sheck is more than living up to his billing as one of the greatest to ever don the Warriors jersey.
"Outstanding. He can still sidestep, I know that much. He's still fit and competes in everything. He's a sponge, as we all know, he's super professional.
"I'd love to have come in and make up a lie and said Roger's unprofessional, eats the wrong food, is not trying hard.
"He's killing it, he's going great. He's everything we want, and I hope we're everything he wants at the moment."
However, impressing in pre-season training and breaking into a top-four side are two different things.
Webster has already established Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will be the first-choice No.1, while Taine Tuaupiki has been a more than reliable back-up in his time at the club.
Tuivasa-Sheck has made it clear he'll play in the centres next season, and will vie with both Adam Pompey and Rocco Berry for a starting spot.
He could even slot in on the wing, Webster added, but would only be up against Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Marcelo Montoya and Ed Kosi - all of whom are proven wide men in the NRL.
Strength in depth and competition for places, though, are problems any coach would relish, and Webster is no different.
"I threw all the outside backs in a room the other day and said 'boys, it's yours to go after here'," he continued.
"Someone's going to be sitting on the sidelines next year that is a really good NRL player. Don't be coming in round one saying 'I didn't see that coming'."
