Jordie Barrett

"To be honest, every off-season or every time I'm sitting there watching a rugby league game, I think ... I'd love to go over there and play some league just for a season," the 24-year-old, who has 36 caps for New Zealand, told the What A Lad podcast.

"I'm not sure what position I'd play, but I'd love to go over there and give it a crack, who knows."

Several current All Blacks have previously expressed an interest in playing in the competition.

Barrett is one of the best fullbacks in world rugby but has the versatility to cover a number of positions and has played 36 Tests for New Zealand.

The 24-year-old plays Super Rugby for the Wellington Hurricanes but revealed he’s a league fan and is considering having a crack at playing in the NRL.

“To be honest, every off-season or every time I’m sitting there watching a rugby league game, I think, s**t I’d love to go over there and play some league just for a season,” Barrett said on What A Lad podcast.

“And who knows, I might. It crosses my mind a lot.

The 21-year-old had played in the Hurricanes 30-14 loss to the Highlanders in the southern city on Friday night.

Barrett fronted media on Sunday morning at Wellington Airport, on his way to the All Blacks' camp in Auckland, saying: "I was not intoxicated". He apologised for the incident.

"I can't say I'm embarrassed by what's happened, I'm just disappointed with the events that have unfolded. I don't believe I've caused any harm to anyone.

"It was a human error, I walked into the wrong flat and then we left.

Barrett was named in the side last month, but with the Hurricanes riddled with injuries he's been ruled out of the squad.

Blues first five eight Stephen Perofeta has also been ruled out due to an ankle injury.

Tana Umaga's nephew Thomas Umaga-Jensen and secondary school rep Ciarahn Matoe will join the squad for the Gold Coast tournament.

Under 20 head coach Craig Philpott said they've been following Umaga-Jensens return to rugby since his hip surgery in October.