Hansen keen on league international

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes Rugby League full-back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck would be a great asset to New Zealand rugby were he to switch codes.

This, after Tuivasa-Sheck's agent hinted at a possible return to Rugby Union. Tuivasa-Sheck is no stranger to the code, having made the New Zealand schools Union team.

Such has been Tuivasa-Sheck's impact in Rugby League that he was made captain of the Auckland-based NRL side the Warriors at just 24 years of age.

And Hansen has no doubts that he would make a seamless transition to Rugby Union just as Sonny Bill Williams has done as well as players like Brad Thorn, Matt Duffie, Ngani Laumape, Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt.

When asked if he had spoken to Tuivasa-Sheck, Hansen told the New Zealand Herald:

"No I haven't but I like the rumour.

"If he comes over to rugby he'd be a good player I think. One of the franchises could pick him up and be quite handy.

"There's plenty of people that have done it. A good athlete will make the transition you've just got to give them time."

All Blacks scrum-half TJ Perenara, who re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through to 2021, is also confident Tuivasa-Sheck would make a smooth transition.

"Everyone sees how he plays league. He's a freak," said Perenara.

"He could play any sport I reckon. He could come to rugby and probably be very, very good."