All Black centre Ma'a Nonu has revealed that he will consider defecting to Rugby League when his New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contract expires after next year's Rugby World Cup in France.
The Wellington star, who has family in Sydney, has held informal talks with Australian RL sides in the past and said he would be keen to ponder offers from the National Rugby League (NRL).
"It has got me interested again," he told Australia's Daily Telegraph.
"I played a bit of league back in school but it is not big [in New Zealand].
"I will have to see how it goes back home. I am contracted to the All Blacks until next year but I am willing to talk to clubs.
"I watch a lot of rugby league and really love the game. Over the past couple of days I have met some of the superstars I watch on TV. It has been awesome."
Nonu, a self-confessed fan of the Canterbury Bulldogs, has struggled to nail a regular All Blacks starting spot but the selectors clearly see him as a midfield option after Tana Umaga's retirement.
The 24-year-old has 16 full New Zealand caps to his name and played all four Tests as the All Blacks cut a swathe through Europe in November.
"Terry Lamb [the former Bulldogs five-eighth] was one of my heroes and I watch the boys every game," he said.
"I'm not sure where I would play. It would just be where I could step in."
NRL chief executive David Gallop, who is also on the trail of Wallaby stars Mat Rogers and Lote Tuqiri, said Nonu's hard-running style would be a success in the 13-man code.
"He is obviously a class player," said Gallop.
"The intensity at both club and representative level [in the NRL] attracts these marquee players."
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