TJ Perenara reveals contract bump that saw Japan deal beat NZR
Veteran All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara has gone into further detail about his imminent move to Japan Rugby League One.
It was confirmed this week that the 81 Test All Black has signed a three-year deal with Tokyo Black Rams, a deal that will see him effectively end his long career with the Hurricanes.
Perenara has revealed that the longer contract on the table in Japan was crucial in the decision, as it affords him and his family increased financial security.
"The big reason for us was security as a family," Perenara told the official All Blacks website. "The opportunity to sign a three-year deal in Japan arose and we didn't have three years here in New Zealand."
The 32-year-old started the Test season as a backup behind Cam Roigard , with rookies Cortez Ratima and Noah Hotham also now in hot pursuit of the number nine jersey. However, Perenara denies that competition for a Test spot was a factor in his decision to up sticks to the land of the rising sun.
"I was confident in my ability to push other halfbacks in the country to be the best halfback we've got. But we do have a lot of depth."
The move was discussed at length with new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.
"We went back and forth a bit, and he was supportive of my decision to stay or go. Having that support from him was encouraging and allowed us to make our decision based on what was going to be good for us as a family and my career."
He also has an eye on coaching after he's hung up his boots.
"It is the easy answer because it's in my mind [coaching]. It's the easiest way I can work with young players and, hopefully, help them throughout their careers so they can have the experiences I had with rugby.
"It's something I would like to do but not for a few years yet."
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Nah hes a journeyman. Right call
Go to commentsAgreed for the most part. And perhaps Dmac needed a period were he is the 'Hobson's choice' too.
Yes and no, they main concern I had from the situation is Razor didn't really explain why they had developed differing opinions, had he? I've seen too many things happen in life to jump the gun. Fall all we know it was a locked in choice before they found the difference last year and played out this year to see if they were recoverable. I can certainly see where it would be a valid criticism to suggest he spent too much time reviewing his players tripping overseas and not enough work with his team at that time. But things like Tony Brown not even being contacted in the lead up to the naming of the squad are endemic in the union, and for much just as much blame should be laid on someone like Wayne Smith. Some like Mitch would have been aval at the same time too I'd think.
Ultimately I see MacDs time at the Blues much as I saw Ian Fosters time at the Chiefs. Heavily overshadowed by their successors but you could find something good in there if you wanted. Same here. This will play out.
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