It's stupid, though. Even without the question marks, it'll take him at least two seasons to learn the game. Probably more than that before he is able to play centre capably against the tier 1 test sides. Then at some point we can't keep a Ben Mowen because there's no money in the till, whilst we pay this guy 900k. Then, fed up with the role that backs actually play in rugby, he does a Sam Burgess / SBW and goes back to his first love (or the NFL, then back to his first love) when his contract is up.
Tahu was a superstar in league and was lost at sea playing test rugby. Burgess the same. Benji Marhsall? Released after 6 matches. The only non winger to make an impact that didn't have a rugby pedigree was SBW and the NZRU had the benefit of him learning the trade in France for 2 years.
There's so much more to playing well in the centres than just being "a talent", especially when defending.