All Blacks star TJ Perenara is reportedly considering a shock code switch to the NRL.

1 News are reporting that Perenara is "seriously considering" the switch after the Sydney Roosters reached out to his agent Warren Alcock.

"We are talking to NZR and other parties that have approached us," Alcock told 1 News.

Perenara, the All Blacks halfback and former Hurricanes co-captain, is plying his trade in the Japanese Top League with the Red Hurricanes, choosing to take up the short-term contract overseas late last year.

He is contracted to New Zealand Rugby until the end of this year, and said last year that his Japanese sabbatical "doesn't mean it's the end for me" in New Zealand.

However, All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan believes NZ Rugby should think twice about signing the 69-cap All Black.

"You can't re-sign Perenara. You cannot re-sign him," Kirwan said on Sky Sport's Breakdown. "I love the man, don't get me wrong. But who do you want to keep?

"Because I think there's some young guys coming through and for the next World Cup I just think [they need a shot]. Look, I'd loved to sign him but if it was a case of signing a couple of young guys that are going to get us to the next World Cup, as good and on further, then I think he's going to be [left out].

"If you think about TJ, he's been a great servant of the game, [but] he's getting into the twilight of his career. And for me, there are guys that are starting to stack up that are going to give us another two World Cups."

Kirwan added that in a perfect world, Peranara should be re-signed upon his return, but factors like NZ Rugby's limited resources and developing future talent need to be considered.

That could be a factor in why Perenara is weighing up his options, despite not having any league experience, though his father Thomas was a Junior Kiwi and cousin Henry is a NRL referee.

It is reported that the Roosters would wish to play Perenara at hooker.