The Warriors have moved quickly to prevent rival clubs from poaching top prospect Konrad Hurrell by re-signing him until the end of 2015.

Initially off contract at the end of next season after re-signing just five months ago in February, Hurrell would have been free to negotiate with other clubs from November 1.

But the Warriors have locked him in for the long term and an announcement from the club is expected today.

An Auckland Grammar rugby union star, Hurrell joined the Warriors at the start of last year and quickly established himself in their under-20s team.

He was promoted to the first-grade squad this year and has been a devastating attacking weapon, scoring 12 tries in 12 games.

Hurrell, 20, regarded as one of the top rookies in the NRL this year, missed Friday night's 10-8 loss to Broncos in Brisbane with a foot injury, but confirmed yesterday he had agreed to new terms.

"I'm really happy and stoked I'm going to be with the Warriors and with the boys for so long," Hurrell said.

"I love playing rugby league and now I just want to play the best footy I can, and hopefully I'll be able to stay here even longer." Born and raised in Tonga, Hurrell moved to New Zealand in 2009 after being scouted by Auckland Grammar officials while playing for his country in a rugby match against an Australian schoolboys team.

A career in the 15-a-side code beckoned before his Grammar team-mate Omar Slaimankhel, also now a first-grader, convinced him to make a move to Warriors' HQ in Penrose.

"My good friend Omar was the one who got me here. He told me he loved the environment, the players and the game and he said I would too," Hurrell added.

"It was hard to make the decision at first but I'm glad I made the switch. I get the ball so much more than I did in union and the game is more physical and tougher I think.

"My dream used to be about trying to play for the All Blacks but not now. All I want to do is to play for the Kiwis if I get the opportunity."

Hurrell's contract extension puts paid to any chances Auckland rugby had of attempting to lure back one of its own.

Warriors recruitment boss Dean Bell has made no secret of the fact his club is interested in signing the best schoolboy rugby stars to league deals.

"We've had success in identifying Konrad and Omar at school level and have seen them take to rugby league so well.

"We've got others like them on our books who are developing well and we know there are more out there who could also make it."

- © Fairfax NZ News