World Cup hopeful Scott Sio is open to the prospect of following Jarryd Hayne into the NFL, revealing a desire to take on new challenges when he feels he has fulfilled his rugby goals.
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Despite having never played gridiron, Sio says he is intrigued by the American sport and has been following the 'Hayne plane' closely as he prepares to start a deal with the San Francisco 49ers after quitting the NRL.
Sio's power and strength could make him a candidate for a future NFL deal if clubs come knocking.
But the 23-year-old front-rower is focused on helping the ACT Brumbies win a Super Rugby title followed by his ambition to play for Australia at the World Cup later this year.
And Sio will get the chance to impress Wallabies coach Michael Cheika when the Brumbies play the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
"I respect the sport and I've always said it would be cool to try my hand at it," Sio said.
"In the near future I don't really see it happening. But you've always got to keep your options open, who knows what the future holds.
"You've got to be open to anything in sport, a lot of guys say they'd like to be MMA fighters but it doesn't work out that way. If [a chance in the NFL] did arise then I would think about it, but right now my focus is on rugby and a big year ahead."
Hayne has secured a futures contract with the 49ers and is set to begin training in the coming weeks.
The NRL star's move was an unprecedented code switch, but has inspired players of all different sports to chase their dreams.
Sio signed a contract extension with the Brumbies last year, which will keep him in Canberra until at least the end of 2016.
The 115-kilogram prop is establishing himself as a strong scrummager and is well-regarded for his power running game.
His size and power game would make him a candidate to switch to the NFL as a tight end or on the offensive or defensive line, but he would need to add new dimensions to his game to be effective.
Sio, a New England Patriots fan, admits his lack of experience would make a code swap more difficult.
"I think the NFL is a great sport, I respect them as athletes and I think some of the stuff they do is incredible," Sio said.
"It's just like any sport ... if you play at a young age you've got instinct and nous. Jarryd Hayne is an amazing athlete, but people can't be expecting big things."
Sio is hoping to follow in father David's footsteps by playing at the World Cup. The former Australian under-20s star will get to test his Wallabies hopes against Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu on Sunday.
"Father and sons representing their countries at world cups is massive and it's no different for me and my family," Sio said.
"You've got to be able to dominate each opponent each week and this week is a massive challenge. I've got to be ready."
Sio was part of the Wallabies squad last year, but injured his ankle on the eve of the international season and missed every Test, including a chance to play under new coach Michael Cheika.
But it didn't dampen his appetite for success and he has vowed to use the extended stint on the sideline to make him a better player.
"In the NFL guys are retiring at 24 years old, I'm 23 now so you've got to look at the harsh reality of sport," Sio said.
"I used that time [while injured last year] to get away from rugby and get things in place for a back-up plan, you can't play rugby forever.
"Injuries are part of rugby, everyone goes through adversities and setbacks. The character of the person is who they come out of it ... it gave me time to focus on things outside of rugby and things I could improve on.
"The moment you dwell on things and wonder 'what if', you're going backwards."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND SIX
Sunday: NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, 4.05pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2
