The New Zealand Warriors have added depth to their playmaking stocks by signing Penrith halfback Harry Siejka on a two-year NRL contract.

Former Australian schoolboys representative Siejka, 20, played four matches for the Panthers first grade team since his debut last year.

He played for five seasons in the national youth competition, having made his debut as a 16-year-old. He scored 25 tries and 284 points in 64 matches at that level.

Siejka said a connection with new Warriors coach Matt Elliott, the Penrith head coach from 2007-11, helped persuade him to cross the Tasman.

“This club has so much going for it in terms of the playing roster and the coaching staff Matt has put together. It’s going to be great being involved here,” he said.

“While I’ve played a lot of NYC football I’ve had only a few games at first grade level and coming here is about having the chance of playing a lot more. This is a new challenge for me and I’m desperate to make the most of it.”

Siejka’s career highlight was a man of the match display for New South Wales in this year’s inaugural under-20 State of Origin match, scoring a try and 10 points as NSW beat Queensland.

He visited Auckland on Tuesday to meet his new teammates and will begin training with the squad on Monday.

The Warriors’ halfback options include Shaun Johnson and veteran Thomas Leuluai, who is returning to the club from English giants Wigan.