Kahu’s union option

TRAVIS MEYN BRONCOS back Jordan Kahu is weighing up a shock defection to rugby union as Brisbane’s salary cap squeeze threatens to push another player out of Red Hill.

The Broncos have already released Test star Josh McGuire to North Queensland and are willing to part ways with former Kiwi representative Alex Glenn if he can secure a deal with the Gold Coast Titans.

Kahu could be the next Broncos player to exit as doubts hover over his future at the club.

Kahu, 27, is contracted to the Broncos until the end of next season, but Brisbane will not stand in his way if he can secure a deal elsewhere.

Kahu was shopped to the Titans, however the Gold Coast is unlikely to make a play for him after snaring Manly centre Brian Kelly to replace Konrad Hurrell.

The New Zealand-born and raised Kahu could end up at another NRL franchise, possibly the Warriors, but a rugby union code-switch has emerged as a genuine option.

Kahu grew up playing union and said last year he had plans to return to the game.

“I will go back to union one day,” Kahu said. “Growing up as a union boy, it’s in my blood and I don’t think I’d ever be satisfied if I didn’t really go back and at least try. I love rugby, I watch it most weekends. Every big game I watch and a lot of boys I grew up with are playing at a high level, so I enjoy supporting them as well.

“I don’t have to play it on a professional level. Even if it’s when I’m finished with league, I just want to go back and have a run around and make sure I can still play rugby.”

If Kahu wants to have a crack at professional rugby, this may be his last chance.

While the early years of his NRL career were plagued by knee injuries, he strung together three solid seasons (2015-17) before being limited to 15 games this year following a broken jaw.

Kahu cut his teeth as a full- back in rugby and has the ability to kick goals, making him an ideal candidate to switch codes. However he does have some unfinished business in the NRL.

A keen blogger, Kahu has written about his desire to play 100 games for the Broncos after overcoming so many setbacks early in his career.