Rugby league pundits have laughed off rumours that All Blacks second-five Roger Tuivasa-Sheck may make a sensational return to the NRL with Sydney Roosters.
Tuivasa-Sheck has played just two tests for New Zealand, both from the bench, leaving his 2023 Rugby World Cup prospects in doubt.
Jordie Barrett has also seemingly jumped ahead of him in the All Blacks midfield with a standout performance in their Rugby Championship-sealing triumph over Australia at Eden Park.
With David Havili also preferred by coach Ian Foster and Anton Lienert-Brown due to return from injury, the Blues star may well miss out on selection for next year's tournament.
All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan told Sky Sport's The Breakdown there was a "little whisper" Tuivasa-Sheck had a contract waiting for him at the Roosters.
"We're just running out of time, so I want to see Roger get a decent crack," said Kirwan. "The northern tour… he probably shouldn't play against Japan, we need to see him against Scotland or Wales, where it's a big test match.
"It's a timing issue, I mean, I hope he doesn't go back to the Roosters,
"I hope he stays for a few more years yet."
But Daily Telegraph writer Brent Read claims the Sydney-based NRL club has rejected the report.
"I've checked with the Roosters today and they've said it doesn't make sense," he told Fox Sport's NRL 360. They've got about four fullbacks already, so the Roosters basically distanced themselves from this,"
"I wouldn't be surprised if Roger does come back eventually. I think there is a lot of money in Japanese rugby he can go and get, and come back after that.
"In terms of Roger, there's a host of clubs that look to sign him and the Tigers are an obvious one, because they've talked about Daine Laurie about playing in the halves. Newcastle is another one, they'd love to move Kalyn Ponga.
Former Roosters star and premiership winner Braith Anasta would like to see Tuivasa-Sheck return, even if not for his former team.
"He'd be an asset to another team, because not only his performance on the field, but off it," Anasta told NRL 360. "He's just the ultimate professional and he's a great leader."
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