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Barbarians' Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand, right, alludes being tackled by Wallabies' captain Stirling Mortlock (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Sonny Bill Williams is set to become the greatest modern day dual code forward to represent his native country. While that may sound impressive, the fact is that the honors list of is not that honorable. At least in size.
Since 1995, nearly 90 percent of the league to union converts who went on to play internationally for their country have been backs.
Brad Thorn, like the famous artist Ralph Hotare, was born in the southern New Zealand town Mosgiel, but curiously represented Australia in eight Rugby League tests (1997 to 98) and then went on to play 37 Tests for the All Blacks.
Quite amazing.
To find an Australian, we have to go back to the elegant Scott Gouley (1988), and then the tireless Ray Price (1974), both fundamentally different types but also light years from Sonny Bill Williams’ god given talent.
I never had the pleasure to see Dick Thornett play, but he represented Australia (1st RL Test v South Africa 20 Jul 1963 ) in both codes with distinction, as did Kevin Ryan (2nd RL Test v France 4 Jul 1964), who my Dad says was the toughest forward to ever play League.
Sonny Bill Williams has the talent and size to play in the All Black forward pack, but we have to go back more than a century to find someone who started his career in Rugby League and went on to represent his country in both codes.
We have to go back to Eric Watkins (1905), Massa Johnston (1905) and Ned Hughes (1907 RU & 1910 RL).
So if Sonny Bill Williams does pack down in an All Black jersey, he will be the first dual code forward to do so in 101 years. And if he decides that he wants to play for the Wallabies and the Kiwi coach plays him in the forwards, he will be the first to do so in twenty years.
Even though he only played 48 NRL games, I have no hesitation in naming Sonny Bill Williams the best forward I have ever seen. No one else could come close to doing what he did.
I can hear the screams already, reminding me of Arthur Beetson, Bob McCarthy, Ron Coote and Rod Reddy. And I would just say that they would not fetch as much as Sonny Bill Williams on a footy auction.
He could do everything they all could do and still be able to sprint as fast as Reg Gasnier.
If Sonny Bill Williams can overcome the injuries that have haunted him in France, then the chances of the All Blacks winning the World Cup will sky rocket.
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.