Chat group behind potential move

When Covid-19 sent New Zealand and Australia into lockdown last year, some of the biggest names in trans-Tasman rugby and league connected over a mutual interest – collecting basketball cards.

The WhatsApp chat group’s members list reads like a who’s who of the best talent across two codes in two countries. Aaron Smith, Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Josh Dugan, Jahrome Hughes, Jesse Bromwich, and Ryan Papenhuyzen, among others. And TJ Perenara.

The All Blacks halfback has always been a league fan, and on Tuesday revealed that a switch to the NRL was always in the back of his mind when he was coming off contract with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby.

But as good mate and fellow All Blacks No 9 Smith tells the story, the exchange of ideas in that highpowered chat group may have firmed up Perenara’s desire to give the NRL a shot.

‘‘I’m in a card-game chat with a lot of high-profile rugby league players,’’ Smith said. ‘‘So, over lockdown we started collecting basketball cards and made a little group.

‘‘We’ve all become friends now. Cam Munster, Nathan Cleary, Isaac John, [Josh] Dugan . . . there are some big dogs in there, Ryan Papenhuyzen.

‘‘For us Kiwis like me and TJ who are in that group, we just want to connect. A lot of the Kiwis boys who are in our chat as well, Bromwich, Jahrome Hughes, they’re All Blacks fans as well.

‘‘It’s just really cool. I think that’s how the connection started with TJ and the talk around league. But the Roosters are pretty good at that, and they know who they go after.’’