Soccer: Rojas off to Melbourne

Rojas cemented a regular starting berth in the Phoenix side after an injury to striker Paul Ifill. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington Phoenix's teenage midfielder Marco Rojas will be playing his football for the Melbourne Victory in soccer's A-League next season.

Rojas' move was today confirmed by the Phoenix.

"Marco has advised the club he has signed a contract with the Melbourne Victory, and he'll be joining them when his contract expires on March 31," a spokesman said today.

Wellington Phoenix and All Whites coach Ricki Herbert was unavailable for comment.

Herbert said last week that Rojas' decision was a matter of loyalty, as the Phoenix were flexible on finance and contract terms.

Rojas, who turns 19 in November this year, won a Yellow Fever scholarship and earned a trial with the Phoenix which resulted in a two-year contract and his A-League debut in September 2009.

When striker Paul Ifill suffered a serious leg injury against the Newcastle Jets in mid-December last year, Rojas made the most of his opportunity to cement a regular starting berth.

He picked up two goals for the season, one against the Jets, and the second against the Victory in January.

- NZPA