“I’d love to go over there and play some league” – All Blacks star open to code switch

We often worry in rugby league about losing our best and most exciting players to the other game.

Just recently Leeds had to fend off rugby union interest for Harry Newman before they signed him down to a new deal which keeps him at Headingley until 2024. Meanwhile, there have been rumours linking St Helens star Regan Grace to a move to Welsh rugby union.

Furthermore, there’s often disappointment when rugby league legends switch codes as Kevin Sinfield recently did to take on the role of defence coach at Leicester Tigers.

However, down under one of the most exciting and young rugby union stars has voiced his openness to a switch to rugby league.

Jordie Barrett may only be 24 years old but has 36 caps for New Zealand in the other game scoring over 200 points in those appearances for the best and most prestigious international side in rugby union.

Meanwhile in the last four seasons, the versatile back has averaged just under a try per game proving to be one of the most exciting players in the Super Rugby competition. Almost any rugby union side would be happy to have him, but they might have to compete with rugby league clubs after he revealed he’d love to play our game at one stage in his career.

Speaking on the What A Lad podcast, Barrett said: “To be honest, every off-season or every time I’m sitting there watching a rugby league game, I think, s**t I’d love to go over there and play some league just for a season.

“And who knows, I might. It crosses my mind a lot.”

Predominately a fullback in rugby union, he’s played a number of roles for the All Blacks and others but admitted he wasn’t sure what position he’d play in rugby league: “I’m not sure what position I’d play, but I’d love to go over there and give it a crack, who knows.”