Roosters sign N.Z. Maori player

New Zealand Maori forward Kererua Savage has signed a 12-month contract with glamour Australian National Rugby Leauge club the Sydney Roosters.

The Hawke's Bay Unicorns captain was scouted for the NRL champions by Australian great Arthur Beetson while playing for the Maoris in last month's Pacific Rim tournament in Auckland.

"It's a dream come true...definitely the highlight of my sporting career to date," Savage said.

"I've been told I will be training with the first grade side from November 15. If I can make a first grade appearance some time next year I'll be a happy man." Savage said.

"It felt good to please someone like Arthur. I also learnt heaps off Tawera too," he said referring to Maori coach, former Kiwis loose forward Tawera Nikau.

Savage, 24, began playing rugby league with the old Taradale Eagles club's under-11s and has been a Bay age group rep at under-13, 15 and 16 levels.

Savage first attracted Beetson's attention while playing for the Palmerston North-based Central Falcons in the Bartercard Cup this year.

He also played premier rugby for Taradale this year and last year and for the 2003 Hawke's Bay Development side.

Savage will be joined by his younger brother and fellow Unicorn, Napier Boys' High School first 15 rugby fullback Troy Savage, at the Roosters club in January.

Troy, who was also scouted by Beetson while playing at the national Maori tournament in Auckland at Labour Weekend, will trial for the Roosters under-20s side.