Sonny Bill Williams is down from last year in tackle busts, linebreaks, try assists and offloads

SONNY Bill Williams hasn’t been as damaging or effective compared to 2013. In fact, he’s made just one linebreak this year.

HE is down from last year in tackle busts, linebreaks, linebreak assists, try assists and offloads.

No one is suggesting Sonny Bill Williams’ form has been poor but, statistically, he hasn’t been as damaging or effective compared to 2013. In fact, he’s made just one linebreak this year.

And that is what makes the Wests Tigers nervous.

The Tigers face the Roosters on Friday night at Allianz Stadium — fear Williams is ready to explode.

Asked did he fear Williams may be poised to fire, forward Adam Blair said: “I hope it’s not against us mate.

News_Image_File: Rooster's Sonny Bill Williams looks to offload during the NRL game between the Cronulla Sharks and the Sydney Roosters at Remondis Stadium, Cronulla. Picture Gregg Porteous

“It’s got to be close.

“Sonny is an outstanding player who has done a lot of great things.

“He attracts number every time he gets the ball. I think there are other players like Jared (Waerea-Hargreaves) and Sam Moa who are playing really well up the middle with Sonny on the edge.

“They have a great forward pack and did great things last year. But we have a team here that is building to the future and this will be a good test for us to see whether we are up for the challenge.”

Tigers forward Marty Taupau was adamant Williams hadn’t had a slow start to the season.

“I don’t believe he has been quiet. He does the little things right and it’s still early days in the comp.

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“We still have a long way to go. With Jared, he would be filthy about not making the Kiwis team.

“They will be fired up. It’s going to be massive.”

Wests Tigers are sitting outright fourth on ten competition points, the Roosters one win back in fifth.

“We are building week by week,” said Tiger Blake Austin. “We are pretty pleased about the start to our season.

“If someone had told us at the start of the season that we would be five from eight, we would have taken that.

“We still have a lot to learn and need to find that consistency.”