All Blacks and Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett admits he would love to have a crack at playing in the NRL sometime in the future, but insists his priority is still to win a Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks.
Speaking on the What A Lad podcast, hostedby his former Hurricanes teammate James Marshall, Barrett said he is a big fan of the 13-man code and would love to play in the NRL "just for a season".
"I sit down most weekends and watch almost every rugby league game," said 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 is the latest All Black to express interest in a possible code switch to the NRL, with Hurricanes teammate TJ Perenara coming close to a move to the Sydney Roosters earlier this year after returning from a season in Japan's Top League, before eventually deciding to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby.
Fellow Hurricane Ardie Savea has also spoken about being open to a move to league, while former All Black Sonny Bill Williams famously made multiple code switches during his career.
Jordie Barrett of the All Blacks kicks a penalty goal. Photo / Photosport
Barrett also revealed the extent of his league fandom, recalling a "fan boy" 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 said. "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."
For now, however, Barrett – who is coming off a strong season where he made the All Blacks No 15 jersey his own – remains focussed on rugby and intends on extending his contract to stay in New Zealand.
"With my next contract, I'd like to sign a longer one and lock into New Zealand a lot longer," he said. "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."
