Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has laughed off any suggestions of a code switch for All Blacks utility Jordie Barrett, after a visit across the Tasman to spend the week with Melbourne Storm.
As part of the All Blacks' 2023 plans, players can play no more than five Super Rugby matches in a row, with their stand-down weeks seeing them have to leave their team environment altogether.
After taking part in all four of the Hurricanes matches so far this season, Barrett is one of three Hurricanes players forced to sit out of this week's clash with Moana Pasifika and has instead taken the week to get out of the country.
A self-professed lover of the 13-man code, Barrett's All Blacks rest week has opened the door - with his club's blessing - for him to rub shoulders with one of the NRL's great sides.
Earlier this week, Barrett was pictured watching Storm training alongside fabled rugby league coach Craig Bellamy, in full Melbourne kit.
In the past, the 26-year-old has spoken of the possibility of switching codes but stated the Rugby World Cup is his priority.
But as Hurricanes coach Holland explained, Barrett is only in Melbourne to learn while he has a week to himself.
"There's always a danger," joked Holland. "But Jordie's got a lot more to do in union in New Zealand yet.
"It's great for a player to have a PD [personal development] week. He's gone over, he's not doing much training.
"He was at Richmond for a day, just picking up a few things around kick and catch, which is obviously vital for Jordie, doing a bit of watching and a bit of kicking, seeing what he can get out of that.
"He's not doing much with the Storm, but taking in a different environment. Obviously, there's a pretty special coach there.
"The things he can learn and come back and enlighten me on are going to be great as well.
"It's a great way for them to spend their week."
Mingling with the Melbourne Storm is nothing new for those in New Zealand Rugby circles.
Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen had picked Bellamy's brains on more than one occasion, while soon-to-be All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is another to have linked up with Bellamy.
For Holland, the idea of looking outside rugby for new ideas is something that should be embraced, rather than feared.
"There's a pretty good link with New Zealand, with the All Blacks and the Storm. I know the Crusaders do a little bit as well," he said.
"Those things are healthy. If we get too insular and just look inside our own sport and environment, we're not going forward.
"I reckon it's a really positive thing for rugby and New Zealand footy."
