Hurdles cleared for Sonny Bill Williams to join the Roosters

Sydney Roosters boss Nick Politis has lauded the impact of Sonny Bill Williams as the star edges towards a return.

Sonny Bill Williams with coach Trent Robinson after the Roosters won the 2013 NRL grand final. Picture: Brett Costello

Sydney Roosters chair Nick Politis has lauded Sonny Bill Williams’ influence on the dressingroom and the impact he could have on some of the club’s young stars as the cross-code superstar cleared two more significant hurdles in his attempt to return to the premiers after a six-year absence.

The Weekend Australian understands Williams has now received the green light from the Australian government to enter the country next week. He will do so armed with a letter from his Super League club Toronto clearing him to take up a contract with the Roosters for the remainder of this season.

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With those two issues resolved, and the NRL committed to facilitating Williams’ return, it seems only a matter of time before he pulls on a Roosters jumper again.

Williams has made it clear he wants to join the premiers and no one else, his relationship with Politis largely responsible for the loyalty he feels to the club.

The feeling is clearly reciprocated, with Politis speaking effusively on Friday about the impact Williams could have on some of the Roosters’ young stars like Sam Walker and Kyle Flanagan.

“He will be very good for the club,” Politis said.

“He has a certain amount of aura and professionalism and work ethic. He turns up to work.”

His arrival comes as the club grapples with season-ending injuries to Victor Radley and Sam Verrills. Backrower Angus Crichton is also out for more than a month with a knee problem.

Williams may not be the player he once was, but he remains a drawcard and his presence is likely to give the code and its broadcasters a healthy boost as even casual rugby league fans tune in to watch a global superstar.

“All the rugby people will be watching to see how he goes,” Politis said.

It is understood several Roosters players have already reached out to Williams, and coach Trent Robinson on Friday spoke publicly of the move for the first time.

“He knows our people and our style of play, things haven’t changed,” Robinson said. “We’ve evolved that and he knows that by watching us, but he also feels our style of play still. He knows the people in the place, a lot of our senior players were his teammates.

“He’s a Rooster, and he’s going to add value in some really key areas. I know the value of him, the professionalism and mentality of him as a person.

“We understand it’s a big task but he’s a guy who loves taking on big challenges, and I won’t be capping him on what his ability to do things may be for this season.

“We’re not looking for anything spectacular, although he’s capable of it, we’re looking for a guy to add value to our squad.

“This is what good management needs to do, look at another 10 rounds and a finals series.

“The squad is very important, this wasn’t done without consulting the captains of our club. Our job is to add value to the Roosters.”

Williams is closing in on 35 years of age and hasn’t played in the NRL since the Roosters won the minor premiership 2014, but were knocked out by arch rivals and eventual title winners Souths. He may not be the force he once was, but Robinson believes he can still have an impact.

“It’s a task that other people have done,” Robinson said

“I’m confident in the mentality and the ability of Sonny. That’s about our management of him during that time and himself and how we prepare him post that.

“Our strength trainer trained him before he went to Toronto the last time. That contact has always been there, that’s why that familiarity with us – both on-field and with our training – is still there.”

Coincidentally, he could come up against Brisbane and their boom back rower David Fifita in one of his first games on his return. By then, Fifita will have made a decision over his future.

The 20-year-old will spend the weekend mulling over revised three years deals from Brisbane and the Gold Coast believed to be more than $1 million apart.

Sources close to Fifita have confirmed he will announce a decision on Monday.

No one in either camp is prepared to declare themselves favourites given the way Fifita has oscillated over his future.

Fifita was initially exploring the option of signing a one-year deal with either the Broncos or Titans, but is now believed to be considering three-year terms as he looks to secure his financial future.

The Titans deal is believed to be worth more than $3 million. The Broncos are well below that and have steadfastly refused to engage in a bidding war for Fifita.