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SYDNEY - The Sydney Roosters moved to secure two of their best rising stars by signing New Zealand rugby league internationals Sam Perrett and Shaun Kenny-Dowall on longer deals today.
Fullback Perrett, 22, has re-signed for another four years, keeping him at the club until the end of 2012.
Winger Kenny-Dowall, 20, extended his contract for another two seasons and will remain at Bondi until the end of 2011.
The move to hang on to their two young stars comes just days after Australian test forward Anthony Tupou signed a four-year deal to join Cronulla next season.
"They are both fantastic young talent and will be great assets to the Roosters in the coming seasons," coach Brad Fittler said.
Perrett and Kenny-Dowall both played for the Kiwis on their ill-fated British tour last season and, given the Roosters' strong start to the National Rugby League, remain a chance at selection for the centenary test on may 9.
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney will announce his team on May 4, but given the Roosters have the bye next week, Perrett and Kenny-Dowall have only Friday's game against St George Illawarra to press their claims.
Kenny-Dowall has been in hot tryscoring form with five four-pointers in six games this year, but he's already surpassed his error tally from last season and recognises he's become a target for opposing sides.
"If they get the opportunity to spot up what they call a weakness then they will look to target you and you have to be aware of that and make sure you don't make the same mistakes," he said today.
"We practice it (fielding bombs) at training each week and I am only getting better each week."
The Brisbane-born winger said he was trying not to think about Kiwis selection, but was hopeful he would get another chance to pull on the black jersey this season.
"Growing up we all aspire to represent our country," he said.
"I will just concentrate on playing good footy for the Roosters and see what happens."
- AAP
