Sydney Roosters recruit Sonny Bill Williams says he will have to switch from holiday mode to prepare for his NRL comeback.
Williams hasn’t played in the NRL since 2014 but has been lured back to the Roosters with his Canadian club Toronto pulling out of the Super League due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Turning 35 next week, Williams said he had booked flights to go on a European family holiday before the Roosters came calling with their short-term deal.
“Everyone knows it’s no secret that I’m pretty close with the lads at the Roosters, Nick (chairman Nick Politis) and Trent (coach Trent Robinson) and I stay in contact with them now and then,” Williams told the Nine Network.
“Trent just gave me a call and inquired about what was happening over here and Nick hit me up and asked if I had a couple of months in me to come back.
“To be honest, I hadn’t trained for a bit and I’d been in holiday mode – we actually booked flights for a little family European holiday.”
Williams, who switched to rugby union and played with the All Blacks in his time away from the NRL, says he’s motivated by the challenge of testing himself in the competition again.
“It’s the challenge that I just get so excited about – it lights that fire inside of you.”
Williams and his family will spend two weeks in quarantine upon arrival in Australia.
He is not expected to play before round 15.
Barry McCocker
Guest
Toronto were going to be based in UK before pulling out of Super League. Hence the team was initially staying in Manchester. He wasn't going to fly from Canada to Europe for a family holiday. It is quite funny how Dunny Bill has gone from $5m to $150k in his salary. I reckon he will struggle, he wasn't worth the money at Toronto. Isn't karma a bitch!
Panana split
Roar Rookie
What a legend, Sonny Bill to throw the offload that wins the Roosters a 3-peat
Big Daddy
Guest
That will make little Dave happy. He's an Easts supporter.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Forgot about that one - better get Tracey Grimshaw on to it.
Jacko
Guest
haha thats a follow up to Sonny in the Nightclub toilet
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Another day another SBW story - how much juice can yah squeeze out of a lemon.Cant wait for the mini series “Sonny in Quarantine “
Rico
Guest
So vlandy gets sbw in but can’t get warriors family in No wonder the warriors are feeling used
Tony
Roar Guru
Anyone playing English Super League is permanently in holiday mode.
Wood.Duck
Roar Rookie
Yes his form was poor but he also stated that he is motivated and up for the challenge for a short stint in the NRL. Money is not his motivation for this Roosters SOS call. He is already getting 5m per year. The Roosters are only paying him 150k.
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
SBW 'has been' inspirational, yes. But Toronto form was far from inspirational. He lacked motivation in the games and the big game play he is accustom too. I think he is purely here for the cheque and nothing more, nothing less.
KenW
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't go quite that far, I would credit the Roosters with the smarts to not let it overwhelm them. I agree that it's highly unlikely SBW, in his current age/condition/form, will add any extra edge to them on the field though. He'll pay for his contract in interest and headlines, but is likely to be a small minutes bench player.
Big Daddy
Guest
To be honest I'm over this Williams/Weidler/ Roosters/ Nick Politis sideshow. It's now being plastered all over the screen every 5 minutes.
Nick
Roar Guru
If he was in Canada, he could go to Europe. It's on the "safe list".
Wood.Duck
Roar Rookie
Far from it Willie, SBW will inspire the entire club to go the extra level. Players are in awe of him and the young blokes like Collins, Butcher, Manu, Keary, Flanagan and Crichton will go to the next level. SBW is inspirational. Thats why the master coach gave him a call, with the loss of Radley, Robo knows the journey to take this years title is in need of a gladiatorial superstar, enter SBW.
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
Unpopular opinion I think this move hinders the Roosters, moreso than helps them. I believe the pull and energy spent into reeling him in, will derail the sides focus (I know Robbo has said it hasn't affected his team but just look at the Warriors game), Not only that, if anyone has watched him in Toronto, he was far from gamebreaking or impactful. In saying this, I am a fan of SBW. Great athlete, great record and the ultimate professional, I just see this going the wrong way.
jameswm
Roar Guru
He was flying to Europe for a family holiday? People are still doing that at the moment? Do you have to isolate or that could depend on the rules of the country you're visiting and where you've come from?