Sonny Bill Williams is back in black
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By Spiro Zavos, 11 Jun 2010 Spiro Zavos is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- All Blacks, Carl Hayman, NRL, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Sonny Bill Williams
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It has taken the former rugby league star, Sonny Bill Williams to teach a former All Black, Carl Hayman, that you can’t put a price on wearing the national colours of your country. Sonny Bill Williams has a dream of playing for the All Blacks. Now he has given himself the chance to achieve that dream.
Regarded as a traitor by the wild-eyed reptiles of the tabloid press, Sonny Bill, by signing up with the NZRU, has made himself an instant hero in the rugby union game.
He has given himself a chance, too, of establishing himself as a world-wide celebrity player in the fashion of Jonah Lomu, if he delivers on the field. And if he delivers on the field, then the money he makes with the NZRU will be quadrupled and more with off-field sponsorships.
Hayman, on the other hand, has taken the money from Toulon rather than try and help the All Blacks win the RWC 2011.
The aspect of this that grates with New Zealanders is that Hayman was certain of starting for the All Blacks. And if anything happened to Richie McCaw, Hayman would have been in line to take over the captaincy.
None of this will happen now.
Williams is not certain of starting for the All Blacks. He has to prove himself good enough when he is selected for the November tour to Europe. But he has backed himself.
And it is certain that the All Black selectors will give him the chance later on in the year to establish his credentials as a rugby union star.
Will Sonny Bill make the grade? That is the $64 million question.
When he played for the Barbarians this time last year and marked Stirling Mortlock, he did not do much but he did not look totally out of place. He struggled a bit to get himself into positions to make an impact.
He had a run of injuries which, he says, has been stopped when a proper diagnosis was finally given. In a run of matches for Toulon in recent months, playing outside Jonny Wilkinson, Sonny Bill stood out as a strong runner, a hard-shouldered defender, a player with beautiful hands and a tremendous passing game.
He was man of the match one of the finals, scoring a try and dominating the middle of the field.
On the strength of that performance, you’d have to agree with Rod Kafer that he may be an exceptional talent for the All Blacks to exploit. Kafer also dismisses the charge, that the rugby league types have made, that the NZRU will have difficulties with the management that runs Williams.
All that remains to be seen.
Right now, though, Sonny Bill has already earned some of his money by giving the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby the psychological lift it needs with a year or so to go before RWC 2011.
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- Explore:
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allblackfan said | June 11th 2010 @ 8:16am | Report comment
It’s worth noting that that SBW was a lot less familiar with the game when he played for the BaaBaas. Frankly, had I been in a position of influence, I would NOT have chosen him but I understand the reasoning for doing so (the ol’ bums on seats approach).
I’ve already made the point elsewhere that there is a salutory lesson in all this for the ARU. This is how you handle league converts. You bed them into the game for a season or two THEN you promote them to higher rep levels — cautiously.
Tahu’s switch was a disaster waiting to happen, which eventually it did!
Taniwha said | June 11th 2010 @ 8:28am | Report comment
I do feel it annoying that Hayman’s price on the black jersey equated to less than the price of the euro but his choice. Will be interesting to see the reception he gets from fellow farmers when he does but his farm with his millions in the Naki.
I am still wary as to how he will go. Let’s just wait and see eh. The only show reel I have seen of his play, has some nice touches but I would not say was mind blowing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPnTHlYqlWQ&feature=player_embedded
I wouldn’t be so quick to talk up this compared to Tahu. Still early days, as can be see with Mc Allisters return to NZ and PDV comments regarding Steyn(http://allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsarticle=13223), bringing guys in from the north not always that straight forward.
True Tah said | June 11th 2010 @ 8:44am | Report comment
I dont really blame Hayman’s decision – deep down the bloke is one of the old-school players who wants to be able to retire on a farm that he owns. In Europe, props are a lot more highly regarded than in Australia and New Zealand and thus better remunerated.
MarkR said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:34am | Report comment
TT – I agree, Spiro made some interesting pioints but to denegrate Hayman who has ALREADY given a lot to NZ rugby is a cheap shot & utter boll*ks.
Jerry said | June 11th 2010 @ 3:53pm | Report comment
Props are rated fine in NZ. Hayman would have been one of the highest paid players in NZ had he returned, it’s just that highly rated in France > highly rated in NZ.
Lindommer said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:51pm | Report comment
Spiro, I’ve communicated with you personally and agree with (most) all you write, but on this matter I think you’re wrong. Suffice it to say when SBW’s played as many tests as Hayman and contributed to as many AB victories I’ll rejoin this debate.
Billo Boy said | June 11th 2010 @ 8:44am | Report comment
Spiro, Spiro. Please!
You conveniently forget just how much moola $BW has already got out of French rugby!
It is only the financial comfort that French contract provided that makes lowering himself to wear a All Blacks jersey possible.
Rugby writers swooning over $BW as some sort of pure spirited throwback to olden times is quite nauseating.
The guy is a football mercenary.
Had he signed on until after the 2016 World Cup I might have agreed with your words Spiro. But $BW didn’t.
Lee said | June 11th 2010 @ 8:51am | Report comment
Why would he sign on to 2016 when not even he knows how he will cope in the SH game?
As far as I am concerned, he proved his motives by turning down a huge contract to focus on something that was 1)not guarenteed 2) definately worth less money. Let’s remember that even with endorsments he will not earn anywhere near what he would in France.
Jay said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:44am | Report comment
I think he has a clause that he can return to the NRL or Europe if things dont work out for him beyond the RWC 2011
Apelu Tielu said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:13am | Report comment
BB, you are very full of yourself by suggesting SBW is only interested in money; what a self-righteous, bigot you sound. Who gave you the right to be the judge of SBW’s life? I suggest that have a look at the mirror before your throw stones at others, BB.
JK said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:38am | Report comment
I agree BB, a few Kiwi posters are getting thier feathers ruffled by the truth, at the end of the day SBW is building his brand, short term loss, for long term gain. He can stay in france, sign a couple more high value contracts, then dissapear, or join AB’S, etch his place in history, and watch the moola roll in for years and years.
I need to add however, I have no issue
SamSport said | June 11th 2010 @ 11:39am | Report comment
Well if that happens it s a win-win. Of course there is a chance that he will go to NZ and be shown up by Nonu, Smith and Kahui and it all goes to pies. He has taken a risk, $6 million dollars is a lot of money to turn down, and it was relatively risk free if he had stayed in Toulon. That he will definitely be better off financially in the long term from his move to NZ is far from certain. Time will tell.
C J McKay said | June 11th 2010 @ 8:55am | Report comment
SBW has taken the option of the AB jersey only b/c he has made the coin in France and will eventually go back once the RWC is done. SBW is a gun-for-hire. You only need to look at his management to know what he is about.
Ken said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:39am | Report comment
Yep he’ll do whatever’s best for him. Remember that the ‘Wild eyed reptiles of the tabloids’ (and most of the public just quietly) yell Traitor with a capital T for a reason. Other guys that have switched codes have got a bit of stick but it all dies down. While still under a good paying contract (that must have been put together on his potential rather than performance) he literally took off in the middle of the season without telling anyone because someone offered him more money. He’s all class, having seen him talk about it later, and make himself out to be the victim of the whole affair, doesn’t make me think the guy has grown up at all.
Brett McKay said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Would Williams be the first league-to-rugby convert to become an All Black, should he make the side at some stage?? I can think of several that went the other way, but not this way…
reds fan said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:26am | Report comment
huh?? Brad Thorn…
Brett McKay said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:59am | Report comment
yeah, OK, reword needed…
Would he be the first NZ league-to-rugby All Black, as in “local” dual international??
Tutu said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:35am | Report comment
Yes he is the first convert League to All Blacks,
That is of course if he makes the grade
Kidney said | June 12th 2010 @ 4:54am | Report comment
Still don’t understand why this isn’t Brad Thorn
Jerry said | June 12th 2010 @ 5:55am | Report comment
Cause Thorn didn’t play league in or for NZ, I guess.
Jay said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:45am | Report comment
Tana Umanga
Brett McKay said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:00am | Report comment
Jay, did Umaga play for the Kiwis though??
Ken said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:05am | Report comment
I don’t think he actually ever made it to first grade
SamSport said | June 11th 2010 @ 11:40am | Report comment
Tana played rugby, then league, then rugby, then league…. etc. If you read his autobiography its quite an interesting story about how he played both when he was a teenager. It’d be a stretch to call him a convert from league to rugby.
Brett McKay said | June 11th 2010 @ 11:46am | Report comment
cheers guys, sorry for the confusion..
abnutta said | June 12th 2010 @ 12:40pm | Report comment
Karl Ifwersen was the first New Zealand Rugby League representative to then switch codes and play for the All Blacks in 1921 v South Africa. So far he’s the only one to do it in that order. I believe there are roughly 40 players who have played RL for New Zealand after representing the All Blacks including Ned Hughes who played for the All Blacks in 1908 then represented NZ in League and then returned to play for the All Blacks again in 1921 at the ripe old age of 40!!!
et said | June 11th 2010 @ 9:42am | Report comment
well said Spiro. SBW = respect
James D said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:18am | Report comment
He left league because he was bored and the game didnt challenge him – he is motivated by challenges and becoming an all black is the next one. Hence why he moved to France and also boxes – he loves a challenge… Money is important yes but secondary… he also ignored a big money offer to go and play in Northern England for Bradford but didnt take it up why? Because there is no challenge there – it is even softer than the already soft NRL.
Tom said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:24am | Report comment
You really think he left league for any reason other than the money? I don’t blame him, if someone was going to pay me more than double what I was earning I would leave too. And don’t say this decision shows it isn’t about the money – he has already made enough in France to set himself up for quite a while.
James D said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:30am | Report comment
The man turned down about 3 times the money he could of got to go to NZ – he is not motivated by money he is motivated by the challenge.
C J McKay said | June 11th 2010 @ 1:39pm | Report comment
There is no way he would have gone to NZ unless he had earnt so much money in France. He knows he can do a few years in NZ around the RWC and then head back to France for more money. SBW puts money first and then challenges. I have no issue with this buts lets call a spade a spade here. The guy has about as much ethics as a used car salesman.
James D said | June 11th 2010 @ 4:40pm | Report comment
Mate not that i will be able to convince you but he is forgoing a lot of money to play in NZ – that means at the very least he is not 100% money driven.
JK said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:34am | Report comment
Well that makes him an exemplary individual then, sorry fella’s I know we are struggling and the team could really use me, but you know what, I’m bored and need a challenge, this whole coming last thing is not challenging enough.
James D said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:39am | Report comment
Mate go back and watch some highlights of his play – Like a game versus canberra i can remember – it was like he was a man playing among boys – all you had to do was read an article about him “the saviour of Rugby League – the best player in the comp yadayada”.. thi bored him after a while so he sought a challenge – he has been good in the French top 14 but he has not dominated the way he did in League – still he sought another challenge so he is coming back to make the AB’s – and after that he will prob go back to france to try and take on the Heineken Cup which Toulon have not made yet. Then after that he might go and play sometihng else for a bit of a challenge. Who knows.
Gob Bluth said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:49am | Report comment
If it makes you feel better about yourself James.
James D said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:55am | Report comment
Haha mate i just like being right
Peter K said | June 11th 2010 @ 12:08pm | Report comment
SBW did not dominate league.
He is very overrated and injury prone.
I have no issue with what he has done and is doing, its a commercial world. Even breaking his contract is ok because he settled terms with the Bulldogs, they were compensated.
He will get to play rugby at its biggest stage if he makes it and then will go back to europe for even bigger money.
James D said | June 11th 2010 @ 12:11pm | Report comment
He did not dominate league? Why all the hoo haa about a bloke who left years ago then?
Why all the articles in the paper from Gus Gould calling him the “savior” of league or the articles encouraging administrators to try to relax the rules so he could play in state of origin? OH that’s right cause he was an ordinary run of the mill player…
Mick Gold Coast QLD said | June 12th 2010 @ 11:27am | Report comment
You’re right, James D, it’s the challenge. One can also see his hunger for intellectual challenge, in his very bestest friendship with Mundine.
King of the Gorganites said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:18am | Report comment
Will there be any high profile league players left soon. if they arent going to rugby then then are going to the AFL.
great news for southern hemisphere rugby. it will do great things to increase the interest in the expanded super rugby tournament next year, espically as channel 9 will be running a highlights package. the guy creates interest and that will be a good thing for rugby in this part of the world.
Tutu said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:38am | Report comment
So much hypocrisy and bitterness in here it’s laughable.
I for one would leave in a minute should I be offered more than twice the money to do another job in a totally different industry.
Hell I’d walk out on my contract too.
Don’t try and play saint because you could bet your last dollar most of you would do the SBW in an instant.
JK said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:41am | Report comment
I can’t be hypocritical, I haven’t done it. Bitter,yes, I’m a doggie fan.
TembaVJ said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:51am | Report comment
You don’t leave your team mates over night, yes chase a pay cheque but do it with some etiquette with some respect to the lads you played with, not like a criminal escape over night and not pitch for training.
Tutu said | June 11th 2010 @ 12:02pm | Report comment
See there you go with the slander and the hypocrisy again Temba.
What was it you said when most were having a go at the Bulls re the player resting.
If you were in the situation you would do the same too!!
Funny now how it’s someone else your saint streak comes out and you play Mr Self Righteous.
Maybe it’s you who should get your team of lawyers and prove him to be the criminal like which you imply
TembaVJ said | June 11th 2010 @ 2:14pm | Report comment
Did you miss me tutu?
I said like a criminal, not he is a criminal… are you still harbouring bad thoughts about a post 2 weeks ago? Come on man the international season has started, can we not start a new leaf?
I am sure there are things that we can agree on… but then again where is the fun in that.
My personal opinion (and you and your crew said everyone can have one) is that SBW wont cut it and is a joke. There is a host of young men playing in NZ that deserve to be there, blokes that have turned down contracts to play for the mighty blacks.
Do you realy think he will be playing for the AB’s in 2012?
But if you rather want to argue with me over the 3rd round of the S14 then I have to decline.
Tutu said | June 11th 2010 @ 3:32pm | Report comment
Temba I don’t give two S….s if he is playing for them in 2012 he’s at least given himself the oppurtunity to play by signing to the NZRU.
Tutu said | June 11th 2010 @ 3:33pm | Report comment
I don’t give two S….s if he is playing for them in 2012 he’s at least given himself the oppurtunity to play by signing to the NZRU.
Ken said | June 11th 2010 @ 12:20pm | Report comment
Exactly, when a player is offered significantly more coin to play another game the player cops a bit of crap initially but nobody really blames them ; Folau is a prime example of this. Mark Gasnier was a better player who left league the same year as SBW to play in France as well but he told people what he was doing and left at the end of the season rather than taking off mid-week after being named to play that weekend! There’s no-where near the same level of ill-will towards him as SBW.
SBW being re-born the darling of the Union set – quite amusing really.
Apelu Tielu said | June 11th 2010 @ 3:41pm | Report comment
Exactly, Tutu. The self-righteousness in the views expressed is amazing.
TembaVJ said | June 11th 2010 @ 10:44am | Report comment
That’s great he waits till right before the RWC swings on over to make his “dream” come true and he is a hero?
Just like Izzy playing AFL its publicity and its working.
Please, he is an opportunists who is not proven at any proper level of rugby. As this weekend will prove what he learned up there is a deferent game down here especially at test level.