The flak good friend Sonny Bill Williams copped over his World Cup backflip will make him lift his game to a scary new level for New Zealand and “do it for Tohu”, ex-Test prop Steve Price says.
Price has been shaking his head over the barbs aimed at Williams since his World Cup change of heart forced Kiwi selectors to cut unlucky Melbourne forward Tohu Harris.
But Price said his former Bulldogs teammate would use the criticism to find another gear and “do Tohu proud” at the World Cup – a prospect the ex-Australian frontrower admitted frightened him.
“If anything it makes him even scarier,” Price told AAP.
“He will make sure he does Tohu proud after taking his spot.
“I hope he doesn’t hold up the World Cup trophy because that means Australia doesn’t.
“But the scary thing is he usually gets what he wants.”
New Zealand-based Price bonded with Williams while watching the teenager that lobbed at the Bulldogs back in 2004 morph into the code hopping colossus that inspired the Sydney Roosters’ NRL premiership.
He said Williams would find time to talk to New Zealand’s unfortunate odd man out, Melbourne forward Harris, but believed his friend did not deserve the fallout over his backflip.
“It had a lot to do with him signing with rugby,” said Price, who played 16 Tests and 28 Origins for Queensland before retiring in 2010.
“I know it’s really hard for Tohu and Sonny would have been disappointed about that.
“But it wasn’t Sonny’s decision. He left it up to the coach and selectors to make a decision.
“Sonny is a beautiful person, an amazing athlete and very humble.
“I don’t care what people say about him. I know the real Sonny.
“I have loved watching him become the person he is today. He’s a friend of mine for life.”
Price said Williams’ addition now made New Zealand a “daunting” World Cup prospect.
“Not having Jeremy Smith there is a big loss but SBW is a massive gain – they cancel themselves out,” he said.
“It’s the influence he has off the field that makes the biggest difference – just look at the Roosters this year.
“He’s a huge inspiration to the boys in that New Zealand team.
“So it’s quite daunting having someone like SBW there.
“But I know the Aussies will be looking forward to it.”
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
What to look out for in week two of the Pacific Championships
Brad Fittler claims widening State of Origin eligibility rules to include Australian-raised New Zealand and England players will benefit both the domestic and international game.
If you followed the recent Rugby League World Cup, you’ll probably have noted that the tournament has both passionate supporters and vocal detractors.
Since the Super League War, Rugby League has failed to cement an international calendar. The historical tours disappeared – in part due to the war but also since the English game transferred to a summer season.
With many spruiking that the pinnacle of our beloved sport is State of Origin, surely it’s time to make yet another amendment to the playbook and finally let New Zealand and English players in on the fun?
With the World Cup final just days away, I thought I’d reflect on some of the key moments and memories of the past ten…
