Nonu (31) was in Queenstown yesterday for a flying visit with fellow All Blacks Richie McCaw, Cory Jane, Andrew Hore and Francis Saili.
After a disappointing season with the Highlanders, and a long exile from media commitments during which it appeared no Super 15 team wanted him, Nonu said he was looking forward to rejoining the Blues, who had ''come to the rescue''.
''This year was just a challenge, really,'' Nonu said.
''I talked to Ted [Blues assistant coach Graham Henry] about coming back up.
''I had a few options - whether to go overseas. I guess [I was] pretty much doubting myself about whether I could serve another two years in New Zealand, playing in the black jersey and professionally, really.
''I just had doubts about my own ability as a rugby player. You always want to be wanted.''
Nonu said he had spoken to Blues coach John Kirwan about ''what happened last year'' - when Nonu left the Blues to join the Highlanders - and they both agreed to move forward, rather than dwell on the past.
''JK is pretty understanding and I guess for me, I just have to prove it, really, and try.
''It's all about performance. It's another step in trying to play the best rugby I can.''
Nonu said he had been affected by negative publicity about his attitude, despite being unsure how the comments had originated.
''When people question your integrity or who you are as a person, it doesn't really feel that good.
''I think there's a perception out there [based on] who I am or what I do off the field. These days, you're not judged by how you play on the field - it's as a person.
''You affect a lot of people; you're a role model to a lot of kids.
''I just have to be a better guy, really. Wearing shades around in public is not good enough.''
The second five-eighth said his relationship with Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph was fine and ultimately it boiled down to ''business''.
''In all walks of life, whether you work in an office, it's just a working relationship, really.
''It just didn't happen this year. There are 15 guys on the field. I did my best.''
Nonu and his team-mates were in Queenstown as part of the ''All Blacks to the Nation'' promotional tour.
Captain McCaw told media his calf injury was ''all good'' and he was looking forward to some game time when the All Blacks play Japan in Tokyo next weekend.
However, he praised stand-in captain Kieran Read's ability to ''share the load'' during his recent absence.
''Having a guy to slot in and nothing changes means the team's in good shape,'' McCaw said.
''I'd still like to get out on the field as much as possible but it's good to have a guy like him step in.''
