As the saying goes, you get better with age, or more particularly you age just like fine wine.
Sonny Bill Williams is the epitome of that.
Turning 35 recently, he has seen it all. From winning a premiership in his debut year with the Bulldogs, to playing in Europe’s Top 14, to winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups, becoming a pro boxer and winning a premiership in his return to the NRL. And on top of that, he has also seen the highs and lows of being a professional athlete.
Answering an SOS call by the Roosters’ hierarchy after his team pulled out of the 2020 Super League, Williams returns to the NRL seven years after winning a title with the Tricolours.
With the Roosters being battered with injuries, there is no greater time for him to step up to the call and help them cement a place in the top four and help prepare them for the finals as they look to do a three-peat this year.
Although age is a factor, there is something special about Williams. There is no doubt that his body is still in good shape despite having troubles with his shoulder, which required surgery. More recently he had surgery to his knee. The one thing to note is that Williams is an athlete who has played in three different codes and has been successful in all three.
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
He is naturally gifted with a physique, and is a fierce competitor in the gym and at training, which translates to his performances on the field or in the ring.
Despite his poor outing in his return to league after a long absence with the Wolfpack, it is fair to say Williams still has his best days ahead of him.
Although past his prime, Williams is still a weapon and his ability to draw defenders to deliver that potent flick pass will be something the Roosters will look to utilise throughout the remainder of the normal rounds and the finals series.
Much has been said about Ben Te’o and his inability to cope in terms of the fitness level to be that threat he was when he left league to join union.
Although Williams may struggle initially, I don’t think he will face the same challenges in terms of fitness levels as Te’o. He has played three different codes and has experienced the different training regimes each has. This will put him in good stead and hopefully repay the faith they put in him.
The Roosters don’t normally buy players already past their prime, but when they do, they usually don’t make mistakes.
The Morris twins and Cooper Cronk are prime examples.
Initially, Trent Robinson will have Williams play only ten to 15 minutes off the bench, but as they head into the finals series he will play him for 25-30 minutes to bring calmness and experience to the Roosters, who will be without some of their big-time experienced players.
Even if he fails to deliver, just his aura and presence on the training paddock with the Roosters or during game day and in the sheds will help young players have confidence, especially when you look at players who are currently struggling to find confidence such as Kyle Flanagan.
Williams – although 35 years of age – is still a threat and a great mid-season buy for the Tricolours in their quest for a three-peat this year.
I can’t wait to see him play in Round 15.
Crow
Roar Pro
Ok. So Robinson plays him for anything up to thirty minutes in two halves per game. SBW is an elite athlete. If he was boxing he could be worked into condition. Here is the question. Would you like Sonny Bill Williams in your team during finals footy.
Crow
Roar Pro
Cad. For the elite it’s like riding a bike. Sure he has to come up to standard but not once in SBW’s career has he not been a machine.
Tom
Guest
Last match winning performance was when Auckland beat British and Irish lions. Offloads were superb. But that was 2017 I reckon. Injuries havent helped. Since.
Josh
Roar Rookie
great fit into the roosters system, will compete for a starting spot on the edge, at $400k an absolute steal, proven winner, proven in the roosters system, players want to play with him, sets the standard for fitness and prep. I am sure any club in the running would have moved assets to fit sbw in @ $400k, unfortunately deal was sealed and did not go to auction. trent and nick generally get these decisions correct, more about improving the squad rather than having enough to three-peat, which I think is already in place.
Panana split
Roar Rookie
What an awkward title (chosen by the Roar I assume). Surely the title should have been 'Is SBW still an elite player despite his age'. The answer is no. He is still a good player but he will be restricted by his aging body.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I don't know.He has played very little ESL and no league for 7 years. He has been playing union as a back now he is back to play league as a forward. I think he will struggle. The coach will have to be careful with him. Say, come off the bench after 15-20 minutes. SDajme in the second half.
Jacko
Guest
Why? he is a major story so get over yourself and just stop reading and commenting on SBW articles...Its your choice to read and your choice to comment...See thats why he is so sort after...Even those that dont like him read the articles written about him.
steveng
Roar Rookie
All I can say is this, SBW is going to find it very hard to keep up with 2020 NRL, this guy thinks that he can come in and out of the NRL as he pleases (of course money) he is in for a rude shock and a big surprise, let’s see how he goes? Don’t like his chances.
tim
Guest
The Cam Smith comparison is pointless. The Melbourne captain has continued to play the game throughout - Williams hasn't been anywhere near the NRL for years, is only a couple of years younger, and out of shape due to the issues with his Canadian team and from being on an extended holiday with his family. At best Williams will be available, probably as just an impact player off the bench, for 3 - 4 games prior to the finals - it's going to take him at least a few weeks to build up his conditioning, never mind the quarantine. Smith's contract on the other hand covers the entire truncated season of 20 rounds, regardless of the time he's currently going to miss due to injury. For a guy who's only going to be available for 1/5th of the current season that Smith is being paid for, $150,000 for such an unknown quantity as Williams seems pretty fair. Multiply that 1/5th by 5 and it puts Williams at $750,000 for a 20 round season. Pretty big money for a guy who's been out of the NRL for so long.
Mitcher
Guest
Just because people disagree that his best days are ahead, doesn’t mean they don’t think he’ll deliver. Two separate questions. Take the blinkers off.
Mitcher
Guest
There’s such a vast chasm between delivering and producing his ‘best days’. There is grey in this world you know. Your slavish commitment to this absolutism really diminishes your article and your pretty low rent engagement in the comments.
DAVEC
Roar Rookie
time will tell
Rellum
Roar Guru
His best days are still behind him.
Larry Tine
Roar Rookie
We wait and see.
Larry Tine
Roar Rookie
I think SBW will deliver, but we wait and see.
Larry Tine
Roar Rookie
I mean what if he delivers? What will you say??
Larry Tine
Roar Rookie
He has played second 5/8 during his time in super Rugby, he is no stranger and will play there if Robinson wants him too.
Larry Tine
Roar Rookie
SBW will probably play second row and a bit of center role at the chooks,seems like those are the options Robinson has.
Larry Tine
Roar Rookie
We shall wait and see
Larry Tine
Roar Rookie
I'm not to sure, I just did this piece without consulting Danny's Article. But thanks for the heads up mate, might check it out.