Sonny Bill Williams has revealed retirement crossed his mind before answering an SOS to return to the Sydney Roosters.
Williams, counting down his final days in mandatory quarantine in a Sydney apartment before joining his Roosters teammates, said it was hard to believe he was on the verge of an NRL comeback.
The 35-year-old former All Blacks and Roosters premiership player has signed a short-term NRL deal.
His return to the NRL comes after a stint with Toronto was cut short because of the pandemic that has forced the Wolfpack to withdraw from the remainder of the 2020 Super League season.
“I’m not going to lie. I didn’t know when the Toronto thing fell through. I was kind of tossing up if that was it,” Williams told Nine Network’s 100% Footy.
“I was a little bit sad to think things might have ended on that note.
“But then you fast forward a couple of weeks and the opportunity arose to come back here.
“And it’s like ‘well, let’s give it a crack and see if I can still do it’.
“I’m 35 coming off surgery so that’s the challenge … hopefully we can make some good new memories over the next few months.”
Williams rejoins the Roosters as they bid for their third successive title amid one of the worst injury tolls in the NRL.
He will finish quarantine later this week and is reportedly on a timetable to be available for selection when the Roosters meet Canberra in another grand final rematch in the nation’s capital on September 5.
After starting his NRL career with Canterbury, Williams walked out on the Bulldogs in 2008 to join French rugby side Toulon.
He went on to enjoy a successful Super Rugby career as well earning 58 caps for the All Blacks, winning a World Cup, before he was lured back to rugby league.
Williams made an immediate impact on his return to the NRL in 2013, helping the Roosters to premiership success.
He stayed on for the 2014 season before returning to rugby.
Williams, meanwhile, said a boxing bout with retired NRL star Paul Gallen was “one hundred per cent” certain to happen.
According to Williams, the fight could be held within six months.
Gallen has long held an ambition to get into the ring with Williams but their boxing careers are yet to cross paths.
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Left out: Count money. Phone manager.
Nat
Roar Rookie
If I was offered $10m over 2yrs, I would be contemplating retirement as well.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Full on day.
max power
Guest
A day in the life of Sonny Bill Williams in quarantine Chart Time Activity 5am Wake up 5.15am Prayer (Fajr) 6am Prepare breakfast for children 7am Gym session for 1-2 hours 9am Catch-up with wife over a coffee or cup of tea with honey 9.30am Kids concert. Singing and dancing with kids 10.30am Watch Roosters video 12pm Prayer 12.30pm Lunch. Wholesome food. Nothing processed. All meat must be halal as part of Islamic faith 1pm Put kids to sleep for afternoon nap 1.30pm Afternoon training session. Wrestling, fitness and rehab 3pm Prayer 3.30pm Spend afternoon with the kids playing games 4.30pm Yoga and rehab 5.20pm Prayer 6pm Dinner 6.45pm Prayer 7.30pm Kids go to sleep 8pm Watch rugby league games or video on the Roosters 10pm Bed time