League: Witt adds depth to Warriors squad

The Warriors' rebuilding phase continues with the announcement yesterday Manly utility Michael Witt will cross the Tasman on a one-year deal at the end of this season.

And wing Patrick Ah Van, 18, and prop Sam Rapira, 19, have signed three-year contracts.

Witt, 22, is likely to be earmarked for five-eighth, although he has also played halfback.

Matt Orford's arrival at Manly from Melbourne condemned Witt to reserve grade this year after he made 19 first-grade appearances for the Sea Eagles last season.

This year he has made just one.

"I've been in premier league all year but believe I can still make a contribution at first-grade level," said Witt.

"That's why I'm coming to the Warriors. I want to have a chance of playing in the NRL again."

Originally with Parramatta, Witt, who has played 47 first-grade games, is the Warriors' second recent Australian recruit following Eels fullback Wade McKinnon, a replacement for Leeds-bound Brent Webb.

Warriors head coach Ivan Cleary said the club's 2007 first-grade roster was now almost complete.

"They're signings that really help us to build depth in our squad," he said.

"In Michael we have a player who has the ability to play in both positions in the halves as well as being a quality goalkicker.

"With Patrick and Sam it's clear we have players with great futures in the game.

"They've looked comfortable at this level from the moment they first came into the side."

- NZPA