All Black Caleb Clarke is linking with South Sydney Rabbitohs, as he looks to take his pre-season training down a different path, before joining the Blues in late January.
The powerhouse winger has long been a fan of the Rabbitohs and has formed a close friendship with star fullback Latrell Mitchell.
Clarke, 24, wants to find an edge before the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season and he hopes the decision to switch codes as part of his training will help that.
"I've always been a Rabbitohs fan and thought, in my time off before I join the Blues campaign, I can look to learn off the NRL boys," Clarke told Newshub.
The 20-test international featured only twice for the All Blacks during the Rugby World Cup and struggled to capture the form he's shown in recent years. To ensure he rediscovers that performance in 2024, he's taken matters into his own hands.
Clarke feels a crosscode switch-up before his pre-season officially begins will help add another layer to his game and get back to peak condition.
"After a year that didn't go as well as I hoped for, I want to do something different in terms of preparation for 2024," he said. "Being around an environment with people I look up to and can learn from can bring the edge I want to get and take into this new season."
Clarke's stint with the Rabbitohs isn't the first time an All Black has turned to the NRL as part of their training.
In March, midfielder Jordie Barrett spent his mandatory All Blacks rest week across the ditch with Melbourne Storm and AFL side Richmond. Barrett's time there has given Clarke the belief he can benefit too.
"I am always looking to improve my game," added Clarke. "I saw Jordie Barrett train with the Storm last year and thought I would do the same."
Barrett had nothing but praise for the growth he felt he experienced by mixing with other teams and other codes.
"I love the style of play - kick, catch, and running all day," said Barrett at the time. "It probably suits my skillset, but I just enjoyed rubbing shoulders with some awesome athletes and some great coaches, and I was able to kick the footy around in the afternoon, which I enjoyed."
The time spent at Melbourne clearly worked wonders for Barrett, who was one of the All Blacks' best at the World Cup in France.
Clarke's decision to follow suit with South Sydney has been welcomed by club boss Blake Solly.
"To welcome an athlete of Caleb's quality and success to the club will be great," he told Newshub. "The players and coaching staff are really looking forward to spending some time with Caleb.
"We've watched his success from afar and hopefully we can learn a bit from him, just as we hope Caleb will learn from a bit from our players and coaches too."
Clarke is clearly taking no chances on his form, as he looks to cement a spot in Scott Robertson's national team next year.
