New Zealand rugby scrum-half Piri Weepu is crossing codes during his pre-season preparations to link up with NRL side Newcastle Knights.
Weepu is following in the footsteps of All Blacks half-back partner Dan Carter and sharing a spell of training with rugby league legend Andrew Johns.
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith, a friend of the Knights new coach Brian Smith - the ex-Hull and Bradford boss - has sanctioned and organised the move for Weepu, a fan of the 13-man code.
Weepu told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'There was a lot of talk about it. It took a while, but then they agreed on it. I'm really happy.'
'I'll be trying to work hard to get myself prepared for the World Cup and to train with the best in Joey Johns - to see his passing skills and his kicking skills.
'He's the best in the world in his position. I want to see how they defend as well. I've been training hard for the last month or so, and they have a plan for me, to try and develop my skills.'
Weepu is one of 22 leading All Blacks who will be rested from the first seven rounds of the Super 14 tournament and will undergo special strength and conditioning programs instead.
But the move may play into the hands of the Knights, who are seeking a long-term replacement for Johns, who recently quit Test football and has hinted he wants to rejoin Warrington Wolves.
Weepu, a former youth league player, added: 'I've always wanted to follow in my brother's (former Manly prop Billy Weepu's) footsteps, but for now I'm just trying to focus on the World Cup this year.'
Knights chief executive Ken Conway admitted: "It'll make tongues wag, but nothing of that matter has been discussed or contemplated.
'We're pretty chuffed about it. The All Blacks are the benchmarks in everything they do. With it comes the opportunity for our training staff and our rehab staff to exchange intellectual property with their staff.'
