Australian former rugby league star David Peachey may be enlisted by King Country for the New Zealand's Heartland rugby championship this season.

The 36-year-old is to trial for the province on the wing when they play a pre-season match against a Northland Development side in Taupo on Saturday.

This comes after he was approached by union officials during a recent visit to Taupo to explore the prospect of the Cronulla Sharks playing a National Rugby League (NRL) match in the central North Island township.

Sydney-based Peachey, whose wife originates from Taupo, was a long striding fullback who played 257 NRL games until 2007, mostly for Cronulla. He also made four State of Origin for New South Wales and played once for Australia.

King Country Rugby Union chief executive David Trewavas said Peachey's pedigree meant it was well worth while seeing whether he could adapt quickly to union.

"We'll have a look at him and see whether he still has the speed and elusiveness, the sting and the step," he told NZPA.

Trewavas said Peachey was "very, very keen" to play in the Heartland championship, which starts on August 28 when King Country play Horowhenua-Kapiti at Te Kuiti.

"His wife would love to come home for three-four months."

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