Sonny Bill Williams hasn’t ruled out a third spell in the NRL after he completes his two-year contract with New Zealand rugby at the end of 2016.
The Sydney Roosters’ back-rower will return to the 15-man code with Super Rugby side the Chiefs at the end of this season and is certain to be part of the All Blacks’ squad who will defend their World Cup title next year in England.
He will also be in contention for selection for the Kiwis’ sevens rugby team at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 and resuming his boxing career, but he has also left the door ajar for a return to the NRL.
“Last year, when I came back to the game, I didn’t think I would be staying for two years or winning a competition,” Williams said.
“Anything is possible. It just comes down to hard work and that self-belief. Of course, there is always a chance (of returning) but I am 29 now.
“My missus always says I am getting older and older. She has to put those baths on for me after games now.”
Williams has been a resounding success for the Roosters since returning last season to the game he walked out on in 2008 and he admitted it had gone better than even he had imagined.
“I have really enjoyed my time back here – not just on the field but off it as well,” he said.
“I feel I have earned a lot of respect back and that was probably one of the main things I wanted to do.
“Not just play good consistent footy but earn a bit of respect back from the footy community. I feel like I have achieved that.”
NRL head of football Todd Greenberg, who fell out with Williams when he was in charge of Canterbury following the star’s sudden mid-season departure for French rugby, said he would like to see him return.
“His maturity is unbelievable,” Greenberg said.
“He is an amazing athlete and an amazing person. He is a fantastic person to have in the game.”
KB
Guest
You will see the back of him, if you are a Souths supporter...in round 26 when he busts the line like he did in the Minor Premiership win last year..
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Bit like Folau perhaps in the reverse role. in Sydney and oz.. Yes you are correct his union profile no doubt is part of the reason,but also because he has stated he loves playing rugby league and feels now accepted in the game. 2017 may find him back in the NRL. The whole purpose of the NRL decision is to grow and raise the profile of the game and assist in the community in these PIs,where the code is actually played.Seems like helping rugby league to me.
leftfield
Roar Pro
I think you'll find there's a whole city called Bath. Named because it has a really big, really old bath.
col in paradise
Guest
Overrated overpaid
Nzmate
Guest
I suspect the only reason they used sonny bill is because he is so well known through his time in Union. Can't see how it will help league - he will likely be in Samoa next year with the all blacks - which will be the biggest sporting event in the country's history.
Pickett
Guest
Where does he even say this? Anyway, if he did, I'd prefer Sonny concentrate on getting back the Provan Summons cup this year, much like next year. One year at a time. One sport at a time.
james t
Guest
Good bye dollar bill and don't come back. No one cares about you!
Rugby ist unser Leben
Guest
Kind of funny there's an English Rugby Club called Bath. I mean the poms are the Soap Dodgers after all. These bopys only use the NRL as a bargaining chip or to cash in knowing that most NRL clubs are happy to send themselves broke signing hasbeens and rugby playes.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
It says a lot when SBW is prepared to help promote rugby league in Samoa Think the fact he is going to union and is quite happy to promote rugby league there, is a masterstroke by the NRL. He could have said no to the deal,so it could also be considered a shot, indirectly across union's bows. The feeling is he will probably be back when the WC and 7s is over,as he acknowledged the game(rl) has accepted him more than he thought it would. No one suggested he would extend his NRL stint by another year,which he did.He still has a soft spot for the game. And if slamming Sam Burgess doesn't make a fist of it at Bath,he will no doubt be hightailing it back to the NRL,ala Benji style.
Elma Dudd
Guest
Yeah the squirrel gripping ,eye gouging Sam for the good of the game Burgess .
KB
Guest
Yeah, like he did in round 26 last year when Sonny trampled him and put Mitchell into space with that inside ball, destined to be placed under the sticks..
David
Guest
Who cares
Zedman
Guest
Pacific Islands not PNG, same deal though.
WQ
Guest
Haters will always be haters!
Zedman
Guest
This is the bloke the ARL are sending to PNG to promote the game.He has a handful of games to play in Rugby League then he is off to Union,the people marketing League need a kick in the arse.
George Walton
Guest
Happy to see the back of him. He doesn't epitomise the little Aussie (Kiwi even) battler, does he.
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Jez he hasn't even left yet. For a "superstar", this year, his performance for the Roosters has been somewhat underwhelming.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Sam seems like a mercenary a bit too these days if burgess is the sam you're referring to
Sailosi
Guest
They'll be bringing this bloke back at 45, like Evander Holyfield and George Foreman. Move on people.
Johnnyball
Guest
This mercenary with no allegiance to anything except dollar bill will be back when nobody else wants him and he needs to fill the superannuation account. The League in their stupidity will offer him a big contract to promote the game. Bit like now when he is leaving. ( Thank you, there is a God after all) good to see Sam knock him around a bit.