He was chased by rugby and league clubs but 19-year-old Ronald Volkman is now officially a Warrior after signing with the NRL club on a three-year deal.
When he was 16, Ronald Mataia Volkman, who is of Samoan heritage featured on The Roar with some incredible highlights (see the video above) in the Waverley 1st XV and NSW schoolboy rugby. He was spotted by the Roosters and started to edge towards playing rugby league.
The Warriors say they fended off approaches from a number of rival clubs to secure the signature of the gifted teenager.
“Ronald is an exceptional young talent who will add another dimension to our squad,” Warriors general manager of football Craig Hodges said.
“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.”
The 19-year-old was touted as one of the players to watch this year and with the Warriors officially back home next year, he is a signing that is much needed for the club.
In six appearances last year he finished with seven try assists and five line break assists for North Sydney in the New South Wales Cup.
Born: July 4, 2002
Birthplace: Sydney
Height: 179cm
Weight: 93kg
Preferred position: Halfback/five-eighth
Career: 8 games for North Sydney. 34 points (1 try, 15 goals)
Albo
Roar Rookie
I think they want one that works long term for the Warriors ? Not sure they have that amongst their current halfback ranks ? The kid here looks to have some talent, but he needs to develop as an NRL quality player in years to come.
Tez
Roar Rookie
Why do the Warriors need another halfback? Yeah Taylor has retired but they still have 3 others. Is the writing on the wall for one of three?
Malo
Guest
That Waverley team was fantastic. She likes Custard pie
KenW
Roar Rookie
Poaching a RU kid counts as an Easts junior? That's a very generous definition!
Phil
Roar Rookie
He's a smart looking nugget, very skillful. He had to leave Easts as the current halves are there to stay. Hope he goes well at Auckland, good luck to the lad.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Waverley College - a great nursery of RL and RU talent. In the heart of Eastern Suburbs. That's Roosters territory. Who says we've got no juniors???
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Halfback??. Nice driving crunching tackles.