All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has again flirted with the idea of switching codes to play NRL.
Barrett, 25, is widely considered one of the best fullbacks in world rugby and he’s previously said that he’d love to give professional rugby league a go.
As there’s no doubts that the Hurricanes star would be a success in rugby’s other code, both the Warriors and Roosters showed interest in signing him before he committed to the All Blacks.
Referencing the Roosters, former Warriors coach Tony Kemp asked whether Barrett was ever close to signing a big-money deal for the Bondi club.
“I was very close, he wasn’t far off,” Barrett jokingly said on SENZ Breakfast.
While Barrett never truly pushed for a cross-code switch, he did admit that he often thinks about what position he’d play if he ever wanted to scratch his itch and go join the NRL.
Although he’s been compared to Manly star and current Dally M medallist Tom Trbojevic, Barrett believes he’d be more of a five-eighth if he did make the switch.
“To be honest, Tommy has a lot of more, x-factor, skill and pace than I will ever have,” Barrett said.
“I probably see myself in a five-eighth role over there, I’m obviously a big follower of the NRL and I enjoy it and always think about if I jumped there where I’d play and how I’d go.”
Barrett’s versatility and size would make him a tantalising NRL prospect, with the All Black having the capability to play in any position from one to seven in league.
Listen to the full chat here.