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NRL: Rabbitohs playmaker Luke Keary is set to sign a two year deal with the Sydney Roosters despite reports he was leaning towards the St. George Dragons

Luke Keary tackled by Jake Friend.

LUKE Keary has left St George Illawarra heartbroken after rejecting a handsome offer from the joint venture to join the Roosters for the next two seasons.

The Roosters had previously missed out on signing Lachlan Coote and Mitchell Moses with Keary set to partner Mitchell Pearce next year.

The Roosters confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old on Tuesday.

“Luke is a gifted playmaker who will add depth and experience to our squad, and we see him taking his game to the next level at the Roosters,” said Recruitment Manager Peter O’Sullivan.

“We are pleased to have secured Luke’s services and look forward to him joining our club in 2017.”

Keary has been out-of-favour with the Rabbitohs since his infamous pre-season bust-up with Russell Crowe.

With the Bunnies opting to re-sign Cody Walker, the writing was on the wall for Keary.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire has played Keary off the bench at stages throughout the year and with the team fighting to get back into the top eight, he said he expects the playmaker to finish the season in style.

“Luke has grown as a player and a person within our club during his time with the club and he’s enjoyed some great success with this team,” coach Maguire said.

“He’s committed to finishing this season off with us by putting in his best effort each time he represents the club, he’s helped create some great memories here, and we wish him the best of luck with his future career from the end of the season.”

Keary has played 58 NRL matches to date and was instrumental in steering his side to the 2014 Premiership and 2015 World Club Challenge title.