"I just got picked up from the New Zealand Maori tournament last year in Rotorua," he said. "I've always enjoyed league just a bit more, like I love playing rugby, it has always been a passion of mine, but I'm off to Aussie next year for league."
Perham will join up with the Panthers' SG Ball (under-18) team next year on a two-year deal. Perham said his long-term goal was to represent New Zealand.
"The big goal is just to represent the country and pull on the black jersey whether it be league or rugby."
Perham comes from a family of talented athletes. His eldest brother Chanse plays on the wing for Rotoiti Rugby Club and his other brother Shayde featured in the Pikiao side which won the Bay of Plenty premier rugby league competition last year.
Hayze said his brothers were both proud of him joining Penrith. "They are just overwhelmed really they could not be more happy for me."
He said playing top-level 1st XV rugby at Rotorua Boys' High School was helping his game a lot.
"It's mean, it's a different level to age-grade rugby," he said. "Ngarimu Simpkins is the new coach and he has really helped me a lot and all the leaders like Isaac [Te Aute] and Ngarohi [McGarvey-Black] they have been a real big help."
Penrith Panthers recruitment manager Mark Hughes spotted Hayze playing in Rotorua and said he was a top talent.
"Hayze is a special talent and we're delighted to have brought him to Penrith," he said. "The Panthers will give him every opportunity to reach his full potential but he will control his own destiny over the next few years."
Perham will be set up with family accommodation while in Penrith, in Sydney's west, and will receive support from the club on and off the field.
Perham turned down a trip to South America with the Rotorua Boys' 1st XV team to attend the New Zealand Rugby League national performance camp in Rotorua starting tomorrow.
