NZ Warriors have confirmed their signing of promising Sydney Roosters half Ronald Volkman from next season.
Just days after welcoming former North Queensland Cowboys rookie Daejarn Asi to their roster - and his star turn in their thrilling comeback victory over Canberra Raiders - the Auckland side have added another prospect they believe will have similar impact to last year's prize pick-up, fullback Reece Walsh.
"Ronald is an exceptional young talent who will add another dimension to our squad,” said Warriors football general manager Craig Hodges. "When we signed Reece Walsh around this time last year, he hadn't played in the NRL, but it was obvious he would very soon and make an immediate impact.
"Ronald is the same. He has wonderful skills and is just waiting for his chance in the NRL."
Teenager Walsh was languishing down the depth chart at Brisbane Broncos, when he secured an early release to join the Warriors. Within weeks, he had usurped captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the No.1 jersey, earned a State of Origin call-up for Queensland and should have been crowned NRL Rookie of the Year, if not for a suspension incurred in his final game of the season.
Volkman, 19, finds himself behind Luke Keary, Sam Walker, Drew Hutchinson and Lachlan Lam at the Rosters, but has starred through the club's junior programme and represented New South Wales age-group teams.
After Asi's performance against the Raiders, coach Nathan Brown was surprisingly underwhelming with his praise for his newest addition, warning he had his work cut out, with the half stocks being assembled at the club.
The Warriors have used five different half combinations in eight games this season, rotating veteran Shaun Johnson, Kodi Nikorima, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Ash Taylor and Asi, although Taylor seems unlikely to take the field again this season and maybe ever again. Harris-Tavita is already exploring his value on the open market.
The club has also signed Cronulla youngster Luke Metcalf and Manly veteran Dylan Walker for next season, along with Volkman.
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