Caleb Clarke has set the rugby league world alight this week, with the All Blacks star spotted training with the Rabbitohs as part of their pre-season campaign.
The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the best outside back in the 15-man code in recent years, representing his country on 19 occasions and plying his trade in the Super Rugby with the Auckland Blues.
A hulking winger with plenty of power, Clarke has emerged as a potential code-hopper in the coming years, potentially following recent Wallabies convert Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Clarke remains contracted with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2024, making him free to negotiate with the Rabbitohs - or any other NRL club - for the 2025 season.
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Is Caleb Clarke signing with the Rabbitohs?
At this stage, there are no concrete plans for Clarke to switch codes at the conclusion of his current deal, but told The Sydney Morning Herald after his session with the Bunnies of his desire to try his hand in the future.
“It’s always been a lifelong dream to be able to play in a different code and play league," he said.
“I grew up playing a few years of league in high school, and I find it a lot more enjoyable watching league than I do watching rugby, because rugby is a job for me and I have to watch it all the time.
"We’ll definitely see what happens down the track.”
So great to have All Black Caleb Clarke and Rabbitohs superfan join us at training this week!🐰❤️💚 pic.twitter.com/XdFjtdWCel
— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) December 12, 2023
Caleb Clarke... A Souths supporter since ages ago. 💯🙌🐇❤️💚 pic.twitter.com/ipv40XYS56
— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) December 12, 2023
Rabbitohs head coach Jason Demetriou told the publication the club would be interested in acquiring Clarke's services if he became available, praising his on-field ability as well as his polite and engaging personality.
At the end of next year, three of South Sydney's current outside backs cartel - Izaac Thompson, Taane Milne and Isaiah Tass - will come off-contract, lending further credence to a potential play for Clarke's signature.
The developments come as ARLC chairman Peter V'landys continues to push for salary cap exemptions to sign players from other sports such as rugby union.
Who is Caleb Clarke?
Clarke is a rugby union standout who plays for the Auckland Blues and All Blacks
Born and raised in Auckland, Clarke attended Mt. Albert Grammar School and was a schoolboy prodigy, before making the jump to Rugby 7 and Super Rugby.
The 24-year-old is of Samoan background and his father Eroni is a former New Zealand international, while his grandfather Iafeta represented Samoa in the gold medal-winning team at the 1963 South Pacific Games.
Clarke has played 19 games for the All Blacks, crossing for six tries, while his 49 appearances for the Blues has seen him cross the line on 22 occasions.