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The brand that is now Sonny Bill Williams is set to hit Auckland and the Blues, with it looking like a sure thing he will be playing his Super Rugby next year out of the city of sails.
But then what? At this stage of his All Blacks career, it appears as though he is destined for a bench role throughout the upcoming Rugby World Cup, and that won’t sit too well with Sonny Bill and his entourage.
When he signed up for a further year with the New Zealand Rugby Union, he was probably expecting to be the starting #12 but the form of Ma’a Nonu has put paid to that, as does the fact that Nonu has a two year contract.
However, the real reason for the one-year deal is probably this. Rugby league can’t compete with the dollars on offer from Super Rugby until 2013 when the NRL salary cap changes and players will be paid more.
Added to this is the fact that up until 2013 the Bulldogs (his former NRL club) would demand a release fee, making Williams too pricey.
So in 2013, my guess will be that Sonny Bill returns to rugby league and the NRL for the big money and heads straight to the Penrith Panthers, teaming up with Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary.
That’s right. You heard it here first.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.