Wests Tigers have entered the race for the signature of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as the joint venture attempts to land a long-term replacement for James Tedesco.

Tuivasa-Sheck, off contract at the end of the year, is one of the hottest properties on the open market as league and union clubs clamour for his signature. It was understood the Tigers have contacted his management to register their interest in the hope of bringing the former Roosters fullback back to Sydney.

The departure of Tedesco to the Roosters – who will line up against his former club in a blockbuster opening to the NRL season – has left a void at the Tigers. Tui Lolohea is likely to get first crack at the position, although Kevin Naiqama will also have claims after a starring role in Fiji's Rugby League World Cup campaign.

However, Lolohea is equally adept at playing anywhere in the back line and there is a feeling the club needs a superstar replacement for NSW custodian Tedesco.

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RTS is at the top of the Tigers' wish list, although they face stiff opposition for his signature. The Warriors are desperate to retain the New Zealand skipper and have opened negotiations. There is interest from other Sydney clubs, including South Sydney, who view the 24-year-old as a better long-term fullback proposition than Greg Inglis and Alex Johnston.

However, the biggest threat could be rugby union. Tuivasa-Sheck seriously considered a switch to a New Zealand Super Rugby franchise when he was off contract with the Roosters before committing to the Warriors. He played both codes while attending school in Auckland and has previously spoken about the lure of playing for the All Blacks.

Having represented New Zealand at a Rugby League World Cup, he would likely have to switch at the end of the season to give himself enough to time be seriously considered for the rugby union equivalent.

The NRL rumour mill went into overdrive last week with suggestions Tuivasa-Sheck had agreed to terms with the Auckland Blues, a claim quickly denied by his management. The Warriors privately believe the scuttlebutt was fuelled by New Zealand rugby officials once lawyers became involved in the contract dispute surrounding young gun Etene Nanai-Seturo. The fullback represented New Zealand at the Sydney Sevens tournament after claiming his five-year Warriors deal, signed at the age of 15, was not binding. The tug of war for his services continues.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George remains hopeful Tuivasa-Sheck will re-sign.

"We have had open, honest and frank discussions about what we're trying to achieve and the timeframe in which we could do that," George said last week. "He's a massive part of that for us and he knows that."

The Tigers have enough money in their salary cap to accommodate Tuivasa-Sheck this season, but there is no chance the Warriors will let him leave early. The black, white and golds released Moses Suli from the final two years of his contract to join Canterbury and still have two spots to fill in their top-30 squad. The club has been the most active in the player market having signed Josh Reynolds, Benji Marshall, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino, Chris McQueen, Mahe Fonua, Taane Milne, Robbie Rochow and Corey Thompson in the off-season.

Coach Ivan Cleary is yet to appoint a captain, with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and Josh Reynolds among the leading candidates.