Rugby League: TJ Perenara isn't on NZ Warriors' radar, says assistant coach

Despite talks of TJ Perenara potentially swapping rugby union for league, the All Blacks' halfback isn't on the radar of the NZ Warriors, says assistant coach Justin Morgan.

Perenara, 29, is off-contract with New Zealand Rugby at the end of 2021, and has been approached by the Sydney Roosters over a potential move across the Tasman.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner would conceivably play hooker for the Roosters, filling the void of Jake Friend, who retired earlier this year due to concussions.

The Sydney Morning Herald on Friday reported that Perenara would command a short-term deal, worth NZ$140,000.

But while Perenara looms as a possibility for the Roosters, the NRL's only Kiwi side don't appear willing to enter the market for the 66-test veteran's services.

"We haven't spoken about him at all," Morgan says.

"He's a great, high-quality player, whether or not he'd be suitable for us, I'm not sure, but he hasn't been on the radar.

"Like anything, if high-quality players come on the market, whether they're from league or union, no doubt our recruitment guys will be across it.

"But I'm not sure we'd be wanting someone coming into the game in such an important position that hasn't played that position in our game. 

"I'm not sure that's what we're looking for, that's more a question for [CEO] Cameron George or [head of recruitment] Peter O'Sullivan.

"But it would be great to see him play rugby league. I'm an admirer of him."

The All Blacks halfback is currently playing club rugby in the Japanese Top League for the NTT Red Hurricanes, with his season finishing on May 23.

The NRL window for clubs to add new players to their rosters closes in the first week of August.

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