Sonny Bill Williams says he leaves the NRL with no regrets but won’t rule out a possible return to the Sydney Roosters before his career is through.
The 29-year-old’s two-year stint back in rugby league ended on Friday night in the Roosters’ preliminary final loss to South Sydney, with Williams returning to New Zealand rugby union for another two years.
Williams denied the early exit meant there was unfinished business for him in the 13-man game, but admits he’s open to a third stint in the NRL once his next deal comes to an end.
But the Roosters is the only club he’d play for.
“You never know, the way things pan out,” said Williams, who praised Roosters chairman Nick Politis for bringing him back to league when it was thought he was lost to the game forever following his acrimonious departure from Canterbury in 2008.
“I’m 29 now and not a spring chicken. I’ve got two years in New Zealand and I’m looking forward to that. A new challenge and a new chapter in my life.
“I’m going to have a child too which is the biggest thing going on right now.
“I wouldn’t say (there’s unfinished business). I tend to get down on myself a lot because I set high standards.
“But looking back on the last two years I’m very proud of the way I’ve conducted myself and proud to say I’ve played alongside some great players.
“We’ve won a premiership.
“If you would have told me before I came back that you’d be one game away from the grand final and having already won a premiership, you’d take that hands down.
“I won’t be looking back on it in a bad light.”
Williams admits he hurt his shoulder when tipped in a tackle by South Sydney hooker Issac Luke in the first half of Friday night’s 32-22 loss to the Rabbitohs.
Luke risks missing the grand final after being put on report for the dangerous throw, however Williams hopes his former New Zealand teammate escapes suspension.
Williams also copped a high shot late in the match, but got to his feet before the video referees could check the contact.
The Roosters back rower says he prides himself on his toughness and hates seeing NRL players staging for penalties.
“I was thinking about staying down but I just couldn’t do it. When I watch TV I cringe when I see the boys stay down,” said Williams.
“I hope (Luke) gets off. I was a little bit sore when I first did it, but it was sweet. I wish Souths all the best next week.”
Benedict Arnold
Guest
It's a smart move by williams to go back to union. He will now be able to fully realise the monetary reward for being an adidas ambassador. he'll make the majority of his cash in the next 2 years.
Steve
Guest
He will earn considerably less in rugby union compared to league.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Don't see why SBW wouldn't have a media career after his time in the game ends should he want one, regardless of who is handling the coverage.
robby
Guest
why not if he wants too he was good for the game and a very decent bloke
djcooper
Roar Guru
If ch9 are still running the game he will have a handshake agreement with Gyngell and Politis so he can slip straight into a cushy commentary position.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
The word was that he was selected for the spring tour mainly because of the team's sponsor's involvement. I would feel peeved if I was young bloke hoping to tour but then again that didn't worry him playing for the Kiwis last year.
Bobbo7
Guest
Correct. They may tour him and he may come off the bench but he is by no means a walk up start. He is a good union player, but far from great as yet
roosters killing our game
Guest
Please.. no more. Leave the Nrl alone
BargeArse
Guest
and he is a long way from getting into this All Blacks side, too
Benny
Guest
I would say that's different because Marshall had no other choice. SBW will have plenty of choices, and I would say he would be welcomed back to the roosters with open arms. I wouldn't be surprised if there's already been a sneaky handshake done between him and the club
Bondy
Guest
Most league players convert to union later in their careers and I believe not just for money, its due to the less physical impact in the sport preserving their bodies and their " ultimate " earning capacity. Either way SBW is a great ambassador for whichever sport he contests ....
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I do have to say that on performance Sonny Bill will probably go to another club if he returns from rugby. Look at his playing career: Canterbury, Toulon, Crusaders, Panasonic (Japanese rugby), Chiefs, Easts now the Chiefs again.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Marshall said the same thing about the Tigers and look where he is now. Or is that somehow different.
MAX
Guest
The SBW Chart would indicate he is a sell and as each season passes he will be a write off or a mere show pony, a favourite term of Uncle Nick . .
Johnk
Guest
Wow Jack, $BW said only the roosters. Umm, did you read the article?
Benny
Guest
He's already said it won't be anywhere but the roosters. And what does money have to do with it, you wouldn't leave union if you only cared about money
Elma Dudd
Guest
It tells me you are an obsessive compulsive SBW hater .
jacksyd
Guest
If he does, big chance it will be at the Warriors for 2 years. His reconnection with all the Kiwi crew next year will play a big part. He couldn't resist the dollars thrown at him by the roosters but chose to live 20 k's away from the joint, what does that tell you?