NZ Sevens and Counties Manukau star Etene Nanai-Seturo isn't ruling out a rugby league return.
Earlier this year, Nanai-Seturo was at the centre of a tug-of-war battle between the NZ Warriors and New Zealand Rugby (NZR), which NZR eventually won.
The 19-year-old was named in the national sevens squad, despite being contracted to the Warriors until the end of 2019.
The NRL club fought hard to retain the outside back's services, but failed and eventually granted him a release.
He is currently playing for Counties Manukau in the Mitre 10 Cup and hopes to play sevens at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but after that, a return to rugby league might be on the cards.
"I'd be keen to go back to league," he told RadioLIVE. "I'm really enjoying my rugby with the boys with whatever team I'm playing for.
"I'm just enjoying my footy right now, but hopefully along the tracks, I'll go back."
Right now, his focus is on the 15-man code. Nanai-Seturo debuted for Counties during last week's 43-26 win over Southland.
He was inspired to wear the Steelers jersey by cousin and Samoan international Tim Nanai-Williams.
"I'm gutted he's still not here, because he's gone to France," said Nanai-Seturo. "It would be more special if we were playing alongside side each other."
He missed the first three games of the provincial season with a hamstring injury sustained in July and is slowly working his way back to full fitness.
"Before the [Sevens] World Cup, I did my hamstring, which ruled me out for a few weeks, and then I did it again when I came back during training camp."
"Hopefully, I don't miss any more games. It's pretty niggly, but I'm trying to stay on top of all my injuries right now."
Counties host Wellington on Saturday, with Nanai-Seturo named on the bench.
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