Stephen Brett hopes a move to the Blues will kick-start his chances of New Zealand selection next year.

After four seasons and 39 appearances for the Christchurch-based Crusaders the 23-year-old has headed north in search of regular playing time.

Brett was called in to train with the All Blacks during the Tri-Nations earlier this year which whet his appetite. But he knew that, with his path to the number 10 jersey blocked by Daniel Carter at the Crusaders, it would take a switch to another franchise to give him the opportunity to showcase his talent.

"The game time is what I need. I'm looking forward to the new challenge here," Brett said after the naming of New Zealand's Super 14 squads on Wednesday.

"Obviously I'm going to be missing the red and blacks but I've got to do what's best for my career and that was to move up to the Blues.

"I had a wee taste of that All Blacks environment this year and that gave me the confidence that I can get there."

Brett's had a stellar season for the Crusaders and Canterbury in 2007, where he was the leading points-scorer in both teams.

He has shown in this season's Air New Zealand Cup for Canterbury that he is working his way back to that top form, steering them to the title against Wellington last weekend.

"I just want to build on my Air New Zealand Cup and get back the confidence I had in 2007.

"If I can get back to that form then hopefully I can help the Blues out too."

Brett will form a new inside back pairing with Alby Mathewson, who joins from the Hurricanes.

"He's a player that's at the top of his game at the moment as well," said Brett. "He's also a player that needs game time to put himself forward for the All Blacks as well."

The Blues also welcome back Luke McAlister who will form part of what should be a potent back line that also includes Isaia Toeava and Joe Rokocoko.

"It's a very exciting back line. You've got Luke, Ice (Toeava), Rocks (Rokocoko) it's going to be a good backline.

"If we get our forwards going forward it's going to be pretty hard to stop."

Brett's understudy at the Blues will be Wellington's Daniel Kirkpatrick, who was released to the draft by Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper.

"Daniel Kirkpatrick has shown coming through the grades he has the potential to go all the way," said Blues coach Pat Lam.

"I think it's a chance for him to come up here and work alongside Stevie and some of our experienced guys to continue to help his development not only for us but himself and New Zealand rugby.

"He's certainly got a good kicking game. Unfortunately he's had a few injuries this year but the games he's played that I've watched he's shown he can navigate a team around."