All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara could walk away from rugby union to take up a deal with Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
TVNZ reports Perenara, 29, is in talks with the Sydney club, as speculation mounts over his future in New Zealand, with his NZ Rugby contract ending this year.
Perenara would conceivably play hooker for the Roosters, filling the void of Jake Friend, who retired this month with ongoing concussion issues.
The halfback is currently facing competition for the All Blacks No.9 jersey from Aaron Smith and Brad Weber, while Folau Fakatava was considered a potential bolter, before his season was ended by a knee injury.
This week, All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan called for NZR to not re-sign Perenara.
"You cannot re-sign Perenara," Kirwan says. "I think there are some young guys coming through.
"I'd love to sign him, but if it was a case of signing a couple of young guys to get us to the next World Cup and further...
"He's been a great servant of the game, he's in the twilight of his career and there are guys that are starting to stack up that will give us another two World Cups."
Although he has never played rugby league, Perenara is no stranger to the 13-man code.
Father Thomas represented New Zealand at youth level, while cousin Henry Perenara is a current NRL referee and former Kiwis international.
Perenara was also offered a contract by Melbourne Storm at age 15, but chose not to sign, TVNZ reports.
The All Blacks halfback is currently playing club rugby in the Japanese Top League, with his season finishing on May 23.
The NRL window for clubs to add new players to their rosters closes in the first week of August.
