All Blacks fullback Jordie Barrett admits he'd relish a stint in the NRL, but admits his priority is still to capture a Rugby World Cup with the national side.
The NZ No.15 has told the What A Lad podcast, hosted by former Hurricanes teammate James Marshall, that he dreams of taking his talents to the Australian rugby league competition, which he follows avidly as a fan.
"I sit down most weekends and watch almost every rugby league game," says Barrett. "I'm a bit of a code head.
"Every time I sit there and watch a rugby league game, I think I'd love to go over and play some league, just for a season. Who knows, I might.
"I'm not sure what position I'd play - I'd like to go over there and give it a crack. Maybe even five-eighth, I wouldn't mind kicking the skin a few times on fourth or fifth tackle... a few 40/20s or putting up some floater bombs.
"And defending in the frontline, putting a few shots on. You're allowed to be a grub in that game, so I'd love it."
Barrett's Hurricanes teammate TJ Perenara seriously considered a code switch to Sydney Roosters earlier this year, after returning from a season in the Japan Top League, but opted to re-sign with NZ Rugby instead.
Barrett has already rubbed shoulders with league royalty, relating a drunken encounter with Manly Sea Eagles superstar Tom Trbojevic at the NRL Grand Final in Brisbane.
"Obviously, I'm a bit of a fan boy and I'd had a skinful, and Tommy Turbo was down there talking to Jonathan Thurston - they'd just done a halftime show," he says. "I went straight down the stairs, and Turbo was taking selfies with kids and other fans.
"I got to Tommy and asked if I could get a selfie, and he looked at me... I don't think he recognised me, which was good. I got a photo with Tommy and chucked it on my [Instagram] story - he saw it and reached out to me, and I apologised for pestering him on a night that he probably didn't want to deal with too many people."
But Barrett insists he has unfinished business with the All Blacks, after making the fullback position his own during the 2021 campaign.
"With my next contract, I'd like to sign a longer one and lock into New Zealand a lot longer," he says. "I'm enjoying my time at the Hurricanes, but who knows, I might try a stint somewhere like Japan.
"I'm signed in New Zealand for another year with a goal of winning a World Cup, and ideally playing for the All Blacks and just keep moving forward."
More to come
