He’s the future!

(originally posted 19th May 2006) about then NZ Warriors halfback Grant Rovelli

ROVELLI SIGNED UP WITH VODAFONE WARRIORS UNTIL 2010

NRL rookie Grant Rovelli has extended his stay with the Vodafone Warriors to the end of the 2010 NRL season.
The 22-year-old arrived in Auckland last October on a two-year deal aiming to break into first grade football after three seasons playing in the Sydney Roosters’ premier league side.
He achieved his goal immediately by making his first-grade debut off the interchange bench in the Vodafone Warriors’ opening match of the 2006 season against Melbourne in March.
Since then he has gone on to feature in all nine of the club’s matches so far, seven times off the bench as well as having starts at standoff against Canberra and in his preferred position of halfback against the St George Illawarra Dragons just last Saturday night.
Head coach Ivan Cleary, who was Rovelli’s coach at the Roosters in 2003 and 2004, says the signing is important for the club’s future.
“Grant has taken every chance offered since arriving in Auckland,” he said.
“It’s vital we do all we can to secure players of his ability and character on a long-term basis. This is a great signing for the club and it will help us to build a team around the established players we have and the local ones we’re developing.”
Rovelli becomes the fourth player in recent weeks to agree terms for extended or new contracts with the Vodafone Warriors. Also secured are wingers Manu Vatuvei and Misi Taulapapa plus 2005 rookie of the year Simon Mannering.
Born in Mackay in North Queensland, Rovelli is capable of playing in the halves or at hooker.
“But halfback is his natural position,” said Cleary.
“We wanted to see what he could offer in the No 7’s role against the Dragons last week. While he still has a fair way to go he’s certainly a long-term proposition in that job.”
Rovelli has again been named at halfback for the Vodafone Warriors’ 11th-round encounter with Wests Tigers at Ericsson Stadium on Saturday night.