Ardie Savea, the captain of the New Zealand All Blacks, has sparked rumors of a potential switch to the NRL, possibly joining the PNG Chiefs for their debut season.
At 32, Savea is a prominent figure in rugby union but has yet to venture into rugby league.
While he is currently preparing for New Zealand's World Cup campaign in the 15-man format, various reports surfaced on Monday suggesting the Chiefs are interested in him as they plan for their first season.
Savea, named the 2023 World Rugby player of the year, is rumored to be on the Chiefs' radar, though it's uncertain how keen he is on this opportunity.
By the time he potentially joins the Chiefs, he would be 34, raising questions about the move's feasibility.
He wouldn't be the first player from rugby union to transition to another code recently, although most have been outside backs, like Mark Nawaqanitawase and Joseph Suaalii.
Playing as a number eight or flanker in rugby union, Savea is 184 centimeters tall and weighs 105 kilograms, having started his professional career in 2012 with Wellington.
He represented the Hurricanes in Super Rugby from 2013 to 2023, had a stint in Japan with the Kobe Steelers, and recently played in the Pacific for Moana Pasifika.
In total, he has played over 200 club matches and has earned 111 caps for the All Blacks, plus 6 games with the national Sevens team.