The New Zealand Warriors are in a race against time to address a major gap created by injuries, especially among their outside backs, before the June 30 transfer deadline.
CODE Sports reports that the Warriors are nearing a deal for a short-term signing of Luke Laulilii, with expectations that the agreement will be finalized before Tuesday's mid-season cut-off.
At just 20 years old, the Campbelltown product is set to spend the upcoming three months in New Zealand, bolstering a backline in dire need of support due to injuries.
The team is missing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury, which is particularly disheartening as it marks the end of his anticipated farewell NRL season before transitioning to Wakefield Trinity in the Super League.
This setback has been worsened by injuries to Rocco Berry (hamstring) and Alofiana Khan-Pereira (leg), leaving the Warriors alarmingly thin on the wing at a critical point where they are serious premiership contenders.
Laulilii finds himself in a unique scenario at Concord.
The Perth Bears secured the young player on a two-year contract that will commence following the conclusion of this season, confirming him as part of the new team's backline lineup.
In an interesting twist, Laulilii's older brother, Kit Laulilii, has also joined the Bears, ensuring the siblings will play together in Perth's first season.
This season, Laulilii has made a significant impact, scoring 10 tries in 11 appearances across both NRL and NSW Cup matches.