As revealed by Fairfax Media, Tuivasa-Sheck will join the Warriors next year as a replacement for fullback Sam Tomkins, who has been granted an early release for family reasons. The Roosters had hoped to retain Tuivasa-Sheck but were only able to table him about half of the $800,000 per annum that was on offer across the Tasman.

The stunning coup could have further ramifications, with the Roosters also likely to be in a position to make an audacious raid on Israel Folau should the code-hopping Wallaby decide to return to the 13-man code, however the Australian Rugby Union believe its flexible contract deal will keep him in rugby.

Johnston is off contract at the end of the season and would like to remain with the premiers. But while he is keen to make the transition from the wing to fullback, he won't get a chance to wear the No.1 jersey while Greg Inglis is at the Rabbitohs. Complicating the issue further is the fact that Inglis, despite being contracted until the end of 2017, is being pursued by cashed-up European rugby franchises.

Johnston's market worth skyrockets if given the opportunity to shift from the wing to fullback and it's understood the tricolours are prepared to offer him about $550,000 per season to make the switch. However, they aren't the 20 year old's only suitors, with Parramatta, Canberra and Melbourne also in the mix. While the Eels will retain William Hopoate on a three-year deal, it's likely the plan is for the Blues representative to shift back into the centres next season.

Another young fullback attracting enormous attention is Mitchell. He was named the SG Ball player of the year in 2014 and is currently playing in the National Youth Competition despite being just 17 years old. While he is not eligible to make his first-grade debut until he turns 18 in June, he is considered a superstar of the future. The Taree Red Rovers junior, who has been compared to Inglis, is contracted to the Roosters until the end of next year but that hasn't stopped other clubs from circling for the following season.

Mitchell's manager, Steve Deacon, will meet with Roosters recruitment guru Peter O'Sullivan on Thursday to discuss a potential upgrade and extension to his current contract. While the meeting was scheduled before Tuivasa-Sheck's departure was announced, that development may create a career path to the top side earlier than expected.

"With Roger departing, that could accelerate his rise to first grade. Only time will tell," Deacon said.

"A lot of clubs have been ringing up, I met with a club yesterday and just this morning as they go through their player roster.

"I've got to look at the client's needs and try to get him the best deal wherever it may be."

In the Roosters' favour is the fact that Mitchell's brother, Shaqai, is also at the club and currently playing in the same under 20s team.

Another potential target is Folau, although the Roosters would need the NRL to use their war chest for marquee players to have any chance of making the move a reality.

"We couldn't afford Roger, [so] we couldn't afford [Israel]," said Roosters CEO Brian Canavan.

"I'm sure the coach would like him."

Fairfax Media spied the NRL's head of football, Todd Greenberg, in a meeting with Folau and his manager last year.

"In the first instance the NRL have to make the decision to use their secret war chest," Canavan said.

"In the second instance, I'm assumingly he has a notion value assigned to him on the salary cap, so it would depend on our salary cap situation. I can't see it happening."

Tuivasa-Sheck told his teammates about his decision on Wednesday.

"It was a shock to us," Michael Jennings said.

"We've got to respect he has made the decision for him and his family and the opportunities. We're all behind him. He is looking forward to giving everything he has got. He has to give his best every week and worry about this year.

"He was emotional. He was pretty sad."