NRL powerhouse Jason Taumalolo reportedly turned down a bid by New Zealand Rugby to lure him to cross codes and play for the All Blacks at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
According to Australia's The Courier Mail, NZR bosses launched a "secret approach" to persuade the 24-year-old to turn his back on rugby league while he was undergoing his NFL workout in Los Angeles in November.
The 10-Test Kiwi forward's management team confirmed the offer had been on the table, and that at one stage, it was under genuine consideration.
"Rugby union was certainly an option on the table for Jason," his agent Chris Orr said.
"The NFL interest opened up the Cowboys' eyes to the fact Jason had options, and the other threat was the inquiries from New Zealand Rugby.
"When we got back from America, we fielded calls from two third-parties making an inquiry about the All Blacks.
"They asked us if Jason would be interested in switching codes with a view to him playing for the All Blacks."
Those advances are believed to have inspired North Queensland into action in their efforts to re-sign the Dally M medallist, resulting in the mammoth 10-year, $10 million deal that was ultimately reached to remain with the side.
"Jason considered the approach from rugby. Every young New Zealand kid probably thinks at some stage about playing for the All Blacks.
"He didn’t want to waste anyone’s time and instructed me to work with the Cowboys."
Taumalolo grew up playing both union and league, and is said to admire the success compatriot Sonny Bill Williams has had switching between the two.
The Aucklander has been in dominant form in 2017, and will be looking to guide the Cowboys to an NRL premiership in Sunday's grand final against the Storm.
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