Rugby league star, 12, critically injured after being struck by a car on Auckland's North Shore is showing signs of improvement

East Coast Bays rugby league under-12s player Tyryce McGuire was critically injured in a scooter crash. Photo / Facebook

A 12-year-old rugby league star who is an induced coma after he was struck by a car while riding his scooter is showing signs of recovery.

Tyryce McGuire suffered terrible injuries in the accident, at Northcross, on Auckland's North Shore, on November 3.

He was rushed to Starship Hospital where he had surgery to stop internal bleeding and damage to his liver. He was placed in an induced coma and was fighting for his life in intensive care.

Yesterday morning he was showing signs of movement when seen by a team of neurological specialists at Starship.

"Tyryce has been having brief moments awake and is improving," Jessie Morris, a close family friend, said.

"He is not fully awake yet but he is surrounded by family and is doing well. He is a little battler and he is making good progress.

"We are all just waiting for him to properly wake up but he squeezed a doctor's hand today, which is encouraging."

Tyryce, who is a popular winger in the under-12s team at East Coast Bays Rugby League Club, was injured after he lost control of his scooter while riding down a hill and went into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Meanwhile, the youngster was given messages of support from the Kiwis team presently playing in the UK.

Stars Shaun Johnson and Jessie Bromwich joined Kiwis coach David Kidwell to record a video message for Tyryce.

"I heard what was going on back home all the way up here in the UK," Johnson said. "My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

"Stay strong, brother. It is tragic what has happened."

Kidwell wished Tyryce a strong recovery and said the Kiwis team was thinking about him.

"We draw on each other, and be brothers side by side," he said. "That is where we draw our strength from."

Skipper Bromwich held up a jersey signed by the Kiwis team which will be presented to Tyryce.

"I heard there was a bit of an accident," Bromwich said. "I hope you come back stronger than ever."