All Blacks ex- halfback linked to Roosters

Sydney: 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.

Williams is a former teammate of Perenara and is a member of the Roosters’ off-field staff.

NRL.com was told on Thursday by sources in New Zealand that Perenara had discussed joining the Roosters to play hooker and contacted the club.

Perenara’s manager Warren Alcock did not reply to messages from NRL.com but confirmed to TV One that his client was considering other options besides returning to rugby union in New Zealand.

“We are talking to NZR and other parties that have approached us,” Alcock said. Perenara, who was co-captain of the Wellington Hurricanes, was given permission to miss this year’s Super Rugby competition and play in Japan.

However, All Blacks great and former Warriors star John Kirwan this week said Perenara should not be re-signed by NZR after his stint in Japan’s Top League, which finishes on May 23.