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SYDNEY - The Newcastle Knights have moved quickly to sign up teenage New Zealand hooker Terence Seuseu as he braces for a National Rugby League (NRL) first grade debut against the Bulldogs.
The Knights announced today they had signed Seuseu, 19, on a three-year contract after his starring role in pre-season matches.
"Very strong defensively and confident in his dummy half running and kicking, Terence has displayed the qualities expected of hookers at the Knights," coach Brian Smith said today.
Seuseu, who was on the bench for New Zealand A in the curtainraiser to last year's Tri-Nations match in Melbourne, will likely don the Knights No 9 jersey for the first time on March 18.
It will also be a golden chance to push for an Anzac test berth next month with no clear frontrunners for the Kiwis hooker's jersey.
Veteran Australian test hooker Danny Buderus is out of the Knights' round one match due to suspension and Smith said he'd have no worries sending Seuseu into battle.
"He is a player that boy," Smith enthused after the Knights' 12-10 pre-season win over Cronulla at the weekend.
Seuseu scored two tries in Darwin against Penrith the previous week and was named man of the match against Cronulla.
He played Jersey Flegg (under-21) for Newcastle last year and couldn't even break into their reserve grade side.
He's not sure about connections with former Kiwis and Warriors prop Jerry Seuseu, telling reporters Jerry was "apparently" his grandfather's nephew -- although the two have never met.
"I have been waiting for him (Smith) to sign me during the week too," Seuseu said as the spotlight shone on him this week.
"I played Jersey Flegg all last year, didn't play Premier League because I couldn't get a crack but I've got a chance at first grade this year and I'm taking it with both hands.
"Danny (Buderus) is the No 1, he is the one I look up to and watch videos on him. He's the best, anytime you get to work with the best you can't give up that opportunity."
- NZPA
