Sonny Bill Williams heading home as Sydney Roosters return gains momentum
Sonny Bill Williams is coming home to Australia — and momentum is building for him to reunite with back-to-back premiers the Sydney Roosters.
NRL
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Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed he is coming home to Australia next week, pending approval from border authorities, as the path clears for the superstar to rejoin the Roosters.
Williams’ agent Khoder Nasser has booked airline tickets for SBW and his family to arrive next Wednesday.
The Daily Telegraph understands SBW is hoping to be allowed into the country because his wife Alana has an Australian passport.
Otherwise entry to Australia is closed, except for Australian citizens and permanent residents or those with an exemption.
SBW would have to be in isolation for two weeks before joining the Roosters.
The path to the Roosters securing Williams has been made following the immediate departure of young outside back Asu Kepaoa.
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Kepaoa told his Roosters teammates of the move on Thursday. His departure now frees up a roster spot at the Roosters to add Williams to their side for the back end of the season. The Roosters had the NRL’s maximum of 30 players in their ranks before Kepaoa’s mid-season switch.
Kepaoa, 20, has been unable to crack the Roosters NRL side this year. He was off-contract at season’s end and can join the Tigers immediately after a roster spot was cleared at the club following the departure of Corey Thompson to the Titans.
The Roosters are under the salary cap by more than $200,000 this year. Their forward stocks have taken a hit in recent weeks with Victor Radley ruled out for the season and back-rower Angus Crichtonexpected to be sidelined for six weeks.
Williams’ agent Khoder Nasser and Roosters boss Nick Politis had lunch yesterday.
The Tigers signed Kepaoa last month for 2021 and 2022. He played for the Roosters in the nines earlier this year.
But his path at the Roosters has been blocked with Matt Ikavalu recently re-signing and suggestions Brett and Josh Morris want to play on beyond this year.
Originally published as Sonny Bill Williams heading home as Sydney Roosters return gains momentum