An off-season spent putting on weight and gaining strength could result in Jordie Barrett playing in the Hurricanes midfield, come the business end of the 2018 season.
The 20-year-old exploded onto the rugby scene in 2017, with outstanding performances in the No.15 jersey for the Wellington-based franchise.
Barrett's form led to All Blacks selection for the British and Irish Lions series in June, where he earned the starting fullback role for the third Test.
But Barrett played all of his schoolboy and under-age rep rugby in the midfield, and a shift back there is clearly in the pipeline.
"I have put on 7kgs over summer," Barrett told Newshub. "That was the target to put on weight, to try and become stronger and more powerful.
"I am hoping to play a bit of midfield and develop the skills to play both [fullback and midfield].
"It is a big jump, but I am really happy to where I have got to."
Barrett hasn't had any formal discussions with Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd about the switch, but he is confident opportunities will arise, despite the form of Ngani Laumape and Vince Aso last year.
"The coaches have said they want me to be durable enough to play midfield, fullback and even the wing. If it suits the team balance, then I am happy to be anywhere on the park.
"[Ngani] is the incumbent there at the moment. He was playing really well towards the back end of last year, so I don't think I'll be moving in [on his spot]."
The move is likely to be of benefit to Barrett when it comes to All Blacks selection later in the year.
Given his previous history in the midfield and his 2017 form at fullback, the Taranaki native will offer the type of versatility the selectors crave.
Barrett's 2017 season was interrupted by a shoulder injury just before the Rugby Championship in August.
Recovery is going well for the seven-Test All Black and he expects a return within the first month of the Super Rugby competition.
"Hoping to be back round three against the Crusaders at home," Barrett told Newshub. "I have been ramping up my contact work in recent weeks and should be into full contact this week.
"Just ticking boxes and getting all the protocols sorted."
The Hurricanes begin their campaign against the Bulls in South Africa on February 24.
Newshub.
