NRL: Warriors sign on top three

Patrick Ah Van. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors have secured the immediate futures of three of their brightest prospects.

Patrick Ah Van, Aaron Heremaia and Isaac John have all signed through to the end of 2011, with the Warriors holding an option on the latter two through 2012.

Their signatures come hot on the heels of the re-signing of Kiwi internationals Jerome Ropati, Lance Hohaia and Simon Mannering.

Last week, they convinced inspirational captain Steve Price to stay on for a further year, a year that could see him eclipse the NRL record of 349 first-grade appearances held by Terry Lamb and Steve Menzies.

Utility back Ah Van, 21, who made his NRL debut in 2006, is six games short of his 50th first-grade appearance after returning to the Warriors' line-up for the fourth-round match against Brisbane last month.

Halfback-hooker Heremaia, 26, and halfback-standoff John, 20, are earmarked as future first-graders. Both have been playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup.

"Patrick is already in his fourth season as a first-grader despite only just turning 21," coach Ivan Cleary said. "He offers us versatility with his ability to play in the centres, on the wing and at fullback.

"He has again shown his value in the last few weeks, coming into the side after we lost Brent Tate with his knee injury.

"Aaron and Isaac certainly have the talent to make the step up in the near future."

Ah Van and John are both products of the Warriors' development system.

Heremaia initially linked up with the Warriors on an off-season contract late last year. He was upgraded to a full contract earlier this year and has now had his immediate future secured after a career that has included a stint with North Sydney as well as time at Widnes, Halifax and Leigh in England.

He travelled as 18th man for the Warriors' second-round NRL match against Manly in March and also featured throughout the club's NRL trials programme in March.