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.
kovana
Guest
I thought he played at centre for the barbarians? Isnt he a back?
Objective
Guest
Sorry, but did I fall asleep and miss a season where SBW actually played more than 4 games in a row??? What is all this talk of him being the best forwad in the game when he played in so few actual games. My key memory of SBW is of him limping off the field because of his fragile knee time and time again. What's more, he was never an 80 minute player. I would agree with the assertion that he was the most naturally gifted forward in the game. Absolutely. He was, and remains, the ideal physical prototype for modern rugby (of both codes). Quick, balanced, tall, strong. But to talk of him in terms bordering on Immortal status is somewhat myopic. SBW's appeal was due to his suitability for "Sports Tonight" highlight reels and end of season wrap-ups (best hit etc). He was an impact player who did incredible, but isolated, things on the field. Case in point, the beautifully-timed and courageous front on tackle on Joel Clinton in the finals game against Penrith a few years ago. The most striking image of that year (probably). But watch that whole game and his impact was not that of fellow Bulldogs forwards such as Andrew Ryan or Roy Asotasi. SBW was a highlight reel rugby league player. An ideal for non-fans. Give me the grafters and toilers like Luke O'Donnell or Nathan Hindmarsh anyday. At least they are there at the start...and the end of the game.
Shahsan
Guest
Yes, because all the better candidates are either injured or are playing in Europe and thus ineligible. Mate, like i said, he is good but not great. Great player to have in the team because of his toughness and professional experience, but technically he is average.
Shahsan
Guest
winston
Guest
He constantly a starter for usually the best rugby team in the world.
Shahsan
Guest
At a time of poor locks generally, then yes, he probably is. The bar is very low
Winston
Guest
Brad Thiorn is a world class lock.
sam a
Guest
I don't know, Wavell. It isn't shown on the box where I am, so I have to go from news articles like the link I posted above where it says "Although Williams's two seasons of rugby union have been spent exclusively in the centres or on the wing, he has recently begun moving into the forwards during the latter stages of matches for Toulon, and that could be a role the All Blacks envisage for him." I'm sure you'd be happy to enlighten us all as to the accuracy or otherwise of that wuote.
Wavell Wakefield
Guest
This is the thrust of the matter. When has he played in the forwards in Union? Is this just second hand guesswork?
johnny-boy
Guest
Missed in Edit that there are plenty of fantastic players and athletes in league - easily at least the equal of top union players so to stand out like he did tells you there is enormous scary talent there.
johnny-boy
Guest
Late in the piece but I agree SBW was head and shoulders above anyone in league at the time. He was poorly treated by the Bulldogs from what I can gather and probably had a fair case to say up yours. I think he is best suited at No 6 or 8 or lock. He's too big and clumsy for the backs and too much to learn. He'd have prescence on the field don't worry and if he got loose he'd be hard to stop. He's a big strong b......
Colin N
Guest
No but that's the problem. In Rugby League, a player who usually plays in the forwards can also play in the backs and vice versa. Physically they are conditioned the same. It's much easier for a Rugby League forward to transfer to the backs in union - providing they have the attributes to play in the backs of course - than the forwards because they don't necessarily need to learn about the contact area etc.
ScottWoodward.me
Guest
JK Good luck this year but I think you could do with a Peter Tunks in your pack as it lacks creativity.
ScottWoodward.me
Guest
Colin He is a forward and it has only been recently that he has played in the forwards. He will never learn the nuances of the game standing cold in the backs.
Colin N
Guest
"So many people have cruelled him before his bid has even started." I wouldn't say that. He hasn't been good enough for Toulon really. He is a fabulous athletic talent who has the ability to do the spectaacular, but he's yet to learn the nuances of the game. He's also been injured quite a lot.
ScottWoodward.me
Guest
OldManEmu I appreciate your objective comments. I am very well aware of how sacred this RU section is and I am seen as an outsider. Often there is no right or wrong, just an opinion which is what this website is all about. I respect the views of the people who contribute and it is disappointing sometimes when equal exchange is not granted. I know how good SBW is and the people I know and respect who make a living out of RL also know, and if he does not make it to the top in RU then so be it, but it would be a great story if he did. So many people have cruelled him before his bid has even started.
Colin N
Guest
"I have always been up front and never professed to talk expertly on RU." Then why do you profess to say that he is wasted in the backs in RU if you don't know much about the game
ScottWoodward.me
Guest
Face Dont be an idiot. Yes it was an exaggeration, but not by far. When he played at the Bulldogs, he was the fastest runner in the team and he played in the forwards. Thanx for your contribution anyway, even if negative.
JK
Guest
Fair enough mate, truth is, if I wasn't a doggie fan, I'd have to double check who played that far back too.
OldManEmu
Guest
Scott. I enjoyed this article, disagreed with it mind you but enjoyed. I also particularly enjoyed watching you debate your side. Well done.