Sonny Bill Williams remains undecided about what his future holds beyond Friday night after the Sydney Roosters were knocked out of the finals by Canberra.
The 35-year-old dual international played five games for the Roosters in his NRL return and has a contract to return to the Toronto Wolfpack next season.
However, there is a chance it could fall through if the Wolfpack don’t return to the Super League in 2021.
Williams told Channel Nine after Friday night’s 22-18 semi-final loss to the Raiders that he was keeping all of his options open.
“I’m not too sure, I’ve got to keep a few balls in play and talk to the wife,” he said.
“If anything comes to fruition, it’s got to go through the boss.
“Tough result tonight but I’m just grateful to still be here doing it.”
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
After the game, coach Trent Robinson said even he wasn’t sure what the future holds for Williams, but he saw enough in five games to know he still has something to offer.
“I don’t know (about Sonny). I’m not saying with the Roosters but obviously the curtain’s closing,” he said.
“He’s got the contract with Toronto and I think he showed there’s a fighter there and he made a big impact on our game tonight.”
Should it be his last game of rugby league, Williams went down fighting with three offloads, a try assist, tackle break and line break assist at the SCG.
It was this second-phase play that sparked the Roosters in the second half against the Raiders, threatening a comeback that they couldn’t finish off.
“We’ve been getting him ready to play and then we needed him,” Robinson said.
“We needed that style of play.
“We needed the confidence to play and play footy and we needed a guy that when the pressure is on, put his hand up.
“He’s done that his whole career in uncomfortable situations and he did that tonight.”
Williams is expected to leave the Roosters along with Ryan Hall, who will return to England, and retiring club legend Mitch Aubusson.
RoryStorm
Guest
SBW may have been over exposed since his arrival in Sydney, but last night he tried his hardest to drag the Roosters to a win and he very nearly succeeded. He wasn't here just for the money and it showed. Kudos to Robinson having SBW finely tuned to not only play big minutes but to lead the way. I was impressed with Robinson's after match interview. Not once did he offer an excuse, although one of the journalists tried very hard to put words in his mouth, but Robinson wasn't buying into it and he remained very humble. Unlike SBW.
RoryStorm
Guest
No doubt Ryan Hall will be remembered as an all time great Rooster & will head home to England with a Rooster's life membership for his outstanding contribution to the club. Still, uncle Nick would have made it worth Hall's while for hanging around for three years as an emergency emergency. The sad part is at his peak, for Leeds and England, he was a fine player and it's a shame he won't be remembered for that.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
If he continues it will only be as a bench player. I saw some ESL games and he didn't look the best. The odd moment here but that is it.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
The 40 odd minutes game time was totally eclipsed by the pre promotion of his return. He is still a great quality athlete ... you can tell by some great touches last night but serious money wasted in my opinion. It kind of demonstrates how much the Roosters can afford to waste and still keep within that cap... it must be a xxxxxxxl fit
Hopeless Knights
Roar Rookie
A big game player that nearly brought the Roosters back to beating Canberra with his will to win, offloads, hard running and energy.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Well he always knows where the camera is. Bye.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
I think SBW is grateful for the Sombrero, without it he wouldn't be here..