Sure it comes with risks and would be a gamble of sorts, having no such experience in the 13-man game. But the pedigree is there, with your father Thomas representing the Junior Kiwis.
Everyone knows you are one of the fittest, most intensely competitive characters in any sporting code.
Such traits are not exclusively valuable to union.
Prolong the sabbatical. Go for the rest of the year. Test the waters. You can always back yourself to return, should it not work out.
Many in Canes country would be gutted to see you go, none more so than John Campbell, of course, but he and many others will support you no matter where you play.
Before leaving for Japan this year you have been the heart and soul of that Canes team.
TJ Perenara looks on during a New Zealand All Blacks captain's run at Sky Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Im
They could desperately do with you back as soon as possible, with halfback and first-five depth at an all-time low.
You've done your time, though; given great service to every crest you've donned, and earned the right to chart whatever future you desire.
Your deep passion for Porirua, Wellington, the Hurricanes, All Blacks will always be there but now is the time to put you and your young family first.
To my mind, you could be a brilliant dummy half. In many ways your skills - tough, aggressive, instinctive vision - fit perfectly.
The timing could be right, too. You are only 29, with plenty more to give, and ample time to take on a new challenge. Heck, you could play another four or five years.
Your footwork, pace, support play, left-footed kicking game would all be major assets to any NRL side. And you've always loved sniffing out a meat pie. Who could forget that finish in the corner at the World Cup against Namibia?
Anyone doubting your defensive abilities has not watched the XV-man game closely enough over the years, either. It's always been clear you thrive on contact, regularly knocking back the big boppers and returning for more. That's why many of your starts or larger minutes off the bench for the All Blacks have come against the bigger forward packs.
I can see it now – you scooting out of dummy half for bursts; burrowing your way over close to the line, peeling off 40/20s or laying it on a platter down the short side for Luke Keary.
Caleb Clarke, TJ Perenara and Ardie Savea of the All Blacks sing the New Zealand national anthem during the 2020 Tri-Nations. Photo / Getty Images.
Your ability to pop out and play first-receiver and create for others in union is yet another transferable asset.
You don't have to look far for inspiration that it can be done. Mathew Ridge, John Gallagher, Frano Botica, John Schuster all made the move in the early 1990s. We've since seen John Timu, John Kirwan, Marc Ellis, Brad Thorn, Ngani Laumape, Karmichael Hunt, Marika Koroibete, Sonny Bill Williams bounce between the two codes.
Even in that context, though, this is a chance to be a trailblazer. None of those names made the switch to dummy half.
A move to league could inspire a whole new batch of talented youngsters, and leave many of your peers - Dane Coles, especially - green with envy.
There's also the prospect of the Rugby League World Cup at the end of this year. What a buzz that could be.
The only shame of it is you could go to the stacked Roosters. The Warriors sure could do with your talent.
Don't be influenced by fear, doubt, or those that say you can't.
Lean on those you trust; reach out to those who have before here before.
Make a decision that's right for you, but know you could be a great success in league.
