All Black does not rule out League
move

Current All Black winger Ma?a Nonu has not ruled out an eventual move to Rugby League after his contract with the NZRU expires. Nonu, who was liken to the talented Tana Umaga early in his career, has signed with the All Blacks until the next World Cup in 2007. Nonu toyed with the idea of joining the Rugby League ranks earlier in the season, and was subsequently courted by an array of NRL teams. While it seemed the NZ Warriors were about to sign the 23 year old, Nonu decided to instead stay loyal to Rugby Union.

However Nonu has indicated he still intends to pursue a career in League, telling the NZ Herald ??it?s always on the back of my mind, playing League?. If Nonu does chose to defect to League, he will be a significant addition to any NRL club. The Wellington Hurricanes back has played 8 tests for the All Blacks, and while some say he has failed to meet expectations placed on him early in his career, he is still a prolific try scorer in all forms of the game.

A switch to League in 2007 will ensure Nonu is available for the New Zealand Rugby League World Cup campaign in 2008. Such a move will be ideal for a team that has a number of quality forwards and halves, but is light on powerful backs. Kiwi fans will no doubt hope Nonu can be convinced to defect and join the likes Sonny-Bill Williams and Benji Marshall in what will be a potentially World Cup winning combination.