Former All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara has been linked with a move to Sydney Roosters as a hooker.
Perenara - who is a cousin of NRL referee Henry Perenara and his brother Marcus, the former Parramatta halfback - is understood to be seriously considering a code switch after the Japanese rugby union season ends next month.
The 29-year-old has played 69 Tests for the All Blacks but there is speculation that he may not get a new contract with New Zealand Rugby.
The Roosters, who are yet to make an official comment regarding Perenara, are on the lookout for a hooker and are a club renowned for thinking outside the square in recruitment after last year bringing Sonny Bill Williams back for a final season in place of the injured Victor Radley after Toronto Wolfpack withdrew from the English Super League.
By Stuff16 hours ago
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All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara is reportedly considering a dramatic switch to the NRL at the completion of the Japanese Top League season.
Perenara, who is off-contract with New Zealand Rugby at the end of the year, is currently on a one-season deal with the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.
His sabbatical is due to end at the completion of the Japanese club season in May, meaning he would be expected to return to the All Blacks fold later this year.
But Perenara, who turned 29 in January, is seriously considering a dramatic code switch to link with Sonny Bill Williams old club the Sydney Roosters, according to TVNZ.
TJ Perenara is reportedly considering a shock move to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters.
All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara is reportedly considering a dramatic switch to the NRL at the completion of the Japanese Top League season. Perenara, who is off-contract with New Zealand Rugby at the end of the year, is currently on a one-season deal with the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes. His sabbatical is due to end at the completion of the Japanese club season in May, meaning he would be expected to return to the All Blacks fold later this year.
Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images
TJ Perenara of NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in action during a Japanese Top League loss to the Panasonic Wild Knights in Osaka.
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