All Black Sonny Bill Williams has expressed an interest in joining English Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack, head coach Brian McDermott has revealed.
The Canadian outfit are on the lookout for big-name signings following their promotion from the second-tier Championship and intend to follow up on their initial approach to the dual-code international once his Rugby World Cup commitments are over.
McDermott told the PA news agency that Toronto want to bring in a David Beckham-type player to do for the Wolfpack what the former Manchester United favourite did for LA Galaxy and that Williams fits the bill.
“Sonny Bill Williams has shown interest in us and that’s what it is at the moment,” McDermott said
“He’s currently busy with the World Cup so I wouldn’t ever dare to suggest that he is more than interested in coming but the answer wasn’t a ‘no’ once we made contact so that’s something we’d like to follow up.”
Toronto, who do not take any central funding, have been bankrolled from their formation three years ago by Australian mining magnate David Argyle and he remains committed to bringing in big-name recruits despite stepping down as chairman.
“Our club would want to have a name that’s absolutely international that everybody would recognise and help the profile of our game, very much like David Beckham did for Major League Soccer,” McDermott added.
“But he would have to be a very good player as well, he’s got to be able to do the job that I want him to do. There would be no token player or just a headline-grabbing player.
“So, whoever it may be, you go mention the five highest-profile rugby players – league or union – around the world and we’d be interested and our club would get those.
“David Argyle will resource each one of those signings.”
The Wolfpack spent heavily on recruitment following the appointment of former Leeds boss McDermott 12 months ago and director of rugby Brian Noble says the plan is to keep 90 per cent of the players that helped gain promotion.
McDermott says the club have already identified key targets and will aim to finalise deals ahead of the start of pre-season training on November 10.
Toronto realised their five-year plan to reach Super League with two years to spare and McDermott says the priority in 2020 will be to avoid relegation.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
The worst thing they could do is get guys who are just topping up their super. Better off going the other way with some younger guys trying to prove themselves. Unfortunately as is the case with most promotion situations in all codes, the players that got them promoted will now be out of a job as they need to build a team capable of competing in the top flight.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Well we keep getting told that Rugby is a world game and right now he is a member of the best rugby team in the world so I assume he is known around the world.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Absolutely.Clubs are not run on chook raffles, it's a hellishly competitive environment, and successful business people thrive in those conditions.Hence the Wolfpack exceeding a lot of peoples' expectations.
Walter White
Guest
Take a look at how they are being managed and under difficult circumstances. Shows the real value of having the game / clubs led by business men and not ex players. Makes some of our clubs administration look amateurish.
deucer
Roar Rookie
It wouldn't be many from those countries (apart from Wales) that would even know their own Rugby Stars. Maybe Richie or Dan, but not SBW.
Fred
Guest
You think French, Argentinians, Welsh etc would have no idea about an All Black?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Argyle has hit the spot so far ,established a team, got a decent fan following (regardless of where the players originated),now into Super League ,plus plenty of publicity in the Canadian and Toronto press. If that's a circus, they are getting plenty of paying customers and unpaid publicity.
deucer
Roar Rookie
Outside of NZ, Australia and perhaps England, would anyone know who Sonny Bill Williams is? David Beckham was one of the most famous sportsmen in the world - SBW wouldn't even be in the top 100. He is 34 now, so it will be a good move to get more dollars for him, but how many more years would he have?
Paulie
Guest
I guess when you a an Aussie with plenty of money set yourself in Toronto guess the next step start up a league side with foreign players and see where it goes...SBW compared to David Beckham now the circus begins... bring on the clowns
Walter White
Guest
Darius ????? No Argyle said he wanted someone who could do the job not a has been.
Walter White
Guest
Gee this guy Argle has balls. I wish we had more of him in the game like one in every club. Would put this game on an entirely different footing.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
No .We don’t want Cam lost to the SL .PV’s first decision- appoint Cam head of the Referees Panel, no more qualified person.
Mikail-eagle
Guest
Cameron Smith might not be continuing in the NRL next year. Would be perfect for them.
Larry1950
Guest
Darius Boyd, Mr Argyle? Test & Qld origin legend who'd have to be a standout in the ESL which is a step down from NRL. Play fullback, direct the defenders around & chime in with that deadly cut out pass for wingers to score in the corner.