The Vodafone Warriors have beaten several rival NRL clubs to sign one of New Zealand rugby league's most exciting prospects Russell Packer and his older brother Paora.
Vodafone Warriors welfare and development manager Tony Iro said securing the Foxton-born and bred teenagers was hugely significant.
"There was enormous interest in the boys from clubs in Australia, especially Russell who is highly rated by everyone who has seen him," he said.
"Our aim is to keep as many of New Zealand's best young prospects at the club as we can.
"This reinforces our commitment to developing our own players and it also shows we are able to offer local players a great pathway to first-grade football."
Russell Packer (16), a New Zealand Under-16 representative last year, is a 188cm 112kg prop, and Paora (18) is a 187cm 95kg second rower. They both play for Manawatu's Central Falcons in the Bartercard Cup, Paora making his debut in 2005 and Russell this year.
In fact, Falcons coach David Lomax had the younger brother lined up for his first Bartercard Cup appearance last year when he was still only 15, only for the New Zealand Rugby League to rule he was too young.
"The fact they've both signed for the Vodafone Warriors is a first for rugby league in Manawatu and for the Central Falcons," said Lomax.
"This shows there's a chance in this country for players from our area to join an NRL club. It's a brilliant opportunity for them and a big boost for us."
Lomax said he had few qualms about exposing Russell Packer in the Bartercard Cup despite his youthful age.
"He's young but he is good enough and he's big enough. He's also smart with it. He's head boy at Manawatu College and he's an academic," he said.
"They're really good boys."
Iro echoed Lomax's sentiments.
"It's exciting to be able to bring players like this to the club," said Iro.
"We want to encourage players from areas like Manawatu to come through the system to earn the chance to develop into first-grade footballers."
Both brothers began their rugby league careers with the Levin Lions but also have a background in rugby union. They played in age-group representative union teams when they were younger.
Russell had been alternating between both codes but switched to league full-time last year when he was forced by his school to make a decision between the two.
RUSSELL PACKER
Born: October 9, 1989
Birthplace: Foxton
Position: Prop
Height: 188cm
Weight: 112kg
Junior Club: Levin Lions
Bartercard Cup: Central Falcons (2006)
Representative: New Zealand Under-16s (2005)
Educated: Manawatu College
PAORA PACKER
Born: August 5, 1987
Birthplace: Foxton
Position: Second rower
Height: 187cm
Weight: 95kg
Junior Club: Levin Lions
Bartercard Cup: Central Falcons (2005-06)
Representative: New Zealand Maori Under-18 (2005)
Educated: Manawatu College
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