TJ Perenara would be best utilised as a utility playmaker if he switched from rugby union to league, according to former All Blacks teammate Sonny Bill Williams.
Perenara, 29, is reportedly in discussions with the Sydney Roosters, and is said to be weighing up a switch to the 13-man code as his NZ Rugby contract comes to an end at the end of 2021.
But if Perenara needs inspiration to swap codes, he needn't look any further than Williams, who switched between the two codes more than once over his career - including playing for the Roosters from 2013-14, and again in 2020.
Perenara has reportedly been offered a one-year contract with the Roosters worth NZ$140,000 to replace the recently retired Jake Friend at hooker.
Speaking on Channel Nine, Williams detailed exactly how and where he saw Perenara fitting in, should he opt to take up a deal with the Roosters.
"I would see him as a hybrid," Williams said of Perenara playing rugby league. "Initially as that No 14 player that can come on at hooker or play at No 6.
"The energy he brings to a team, his fitness, his strength physically - I think he would make a great rugby league player."
Williams also revealed that he'd been in talks with Perenara, and that the All Blacks halfback could cross codes "soon".
"What a special addition that would be," Williams said.
"I know him personally and if he came over here he would be under no illusion the work that would need to be put in to be a successful rugby league player.
"He comes from a league background. I've talked to him at length about how much he loves rugby league and he would love to give it a crack one day.
"Most likely we will see him soon, hopefully."
