Sydney Roosters superstar Sonny Bill Williams is set to play in the NRL Auckland Nines next month, in a huge boost to the fledgling tournament.
Just five days after rugby league great Brad Fittler announced he was coming out of retirement to compete in the inaugural edition of the two-day event, the former Kangaroos skipper said he was anticipating lining up beside dual international Williams.
The inclusion of Williams in the Roosters’ side for the Nines would dramatically increase the tournament’s profile given the former Rugby World Cup winner’s global profile.
In an interview with the Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday Fittler, 41, said he would be looking to Williams to compensate for his own defensive frailties.
“He’ll be defending on my side,” Fittler said.
“And I’ve lined up a young kid Dylan Napa for the other side … run at me at your own peril.”
With Williams eyeing off a spot in the New Zealand side at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where rugby union sevens will make its Games debut, the nine-a-side rugby league tournament could provide valuable experience for the two-time NRL premiership winner.
Williams’ inclusion would also indicate the Roosters’ serious intention to add the Nines trophy to their 2013 NRL premiership and possibly the World Club Challenge trophy.
The match against Super League champions Wigan will be played at Allianz Stadium the weekend after the Auckland Nines.
Fittler’s return from retirement has already increased interest in the tournament to be held at Eden Park on February 15 and 16.
The former Roosters skipper is expecting a tough time upon his return to rugby league.
“I’m expecting to get hurt, it’s just the level of hurt,” Fittler said.
Williams will return to Roosters training on Monday with the majority of the club’s World Cup stars.
Johnno
Guest
Tough for SBW to back up, he'd be to tired after RLWC.
Storm Boy
Guest
A manager speaking out and its not contract negotiation time. Amazing. It would be good if all managers starting communicating to the media on behalf of their NRL players. Maybe then when a NRL player causes an off field incident headline, the manager will front the media explaining his client's actions and apologise, instead of the NRL and/or the NRL club having to cop the media bashing.
Maximus
Guest
Apparently not but he has changed his mind before or is his manager seeking more money http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/20650805/manager-says-sbw-skipping-nines/
Maximus
Guest
We will see if SBW plays...
Marldon
Guest
I agree, really looking forward to it. Much better idea than the all stars game.
Go warriors
Guest
This tournament is going to be a massive success with or without SBW. The tournament is set to sell out the biggest stadium in NZ for two days. It is extremely debatable to say SBW had any influence on the success of this tournament. Kiwis are also very well aware of guys like Johnson, Vatuvei, Barba, RTS etc.