Kiwis hooker: He messages us every game

Kiwis and Melbourne Storm hooker Brandon Smith has revealed All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara first messaged him about a potential code switch in February.

Smith told Fox Sports’

on Sunday that Perenara, currently playing Japan Top League, was in regular touch as he eyes a potential switch to rugby league.

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed at the weekend talks with Perenara’s management were under way.

The 69-test halfback who captained the Hurricanes last year is yet to commit to New Zealand Rugby past this season, having been granted an early move to Japan to miss Super Rugby.

Smith said of Perenara: ‘‘He messaged a bloke like myself in February saying he was going to make that code switch, and how does he physically and mentally prep his body and stuff like that.

‘‘He was asking me to send him clips of [Penrith hooker] Api Koroisau and learn deception around the ruck.

‘‘Someone who has already been around professional sport for so long and asking a player like me – a nobody – it’s awesome. It shows he’s got a lot of respect for the game of rugby league.

‘‘He messages us every game we play about who went well. He’s a great supporter and I think he can only be good for the game.’’

Asked his opinion of how Perenara might go in the 13-man code, Smith was adamant he’d be a hit.

‘‘I think he’d be real good. What I’ve heard from Aaron Smith is he’s a massive talker on the field and he’s really good at organising the boys around him,’’ Smith said.

‘‘In rugby league, as a hooker, that’s a great trait to have. He’s got the mentality of a champion, he’s been an All Black for years and years.’’

All Blacks World Cup winner and NRL premiership winner with the Roosters, Sonny Bill Williams, said Perenara would be a ‘‘special addition’’ to league’s ranks.

‘‘I know him personally and if he came over here he would be under no illusion the work that would need to be put in to be a successful rugby league player,’’ Williams said.