NRL: Warriors in hunt for Sonny Bill Williams
Toronto Wolfpack star Sonny Bill Williams could make a stunning NRL return in a five-match deal with the New Zealand Warriors.
Toronto Wolfpack superstar Sonny Bill Williams could make a stunning NRL return in a five-match, $100,000 deal which would revolutionise the battered culture at the New Zealand Warriors.
And the Warriors will also target former Cronulla grand final-winning centre Ricky Leutele.
New Zealander Williams, Leutele and four other former NRL players are up for grabs after their club, the Canadian-based Wolfpack, withdrew from the UK Super League for 2020 due to financial and visa problems.
Warriors officials contacted Williams’ manager, Khoder Nasser, on Tuesday about the former Bulldogs and Roosters champion signing a five-match cameo contract with the Warriors.
While he may be 34 years old, his pre-COVID form with Toronto was modest and there are major logistical hurdles in getting him from the UK to Australia, the Warriors believe Williams would inject a new culture based on professionalism and dedication which would have a major effect on the club.
Rival NRL clubs claim the Sydney Roosters will also consider pursing Williams, who instilled a work ethic during the club’s 2013 premiership-winning season still evident at Bondi.
“I’m glad rival clubs have an opinion,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson responded.
Warriors management would need to clarify with NRL salary cap auditor Richard Gardham whether Williams and Leutele are deemed ‘loan players’ and therefore not included under the club’s salary cap.
While the pair would be cap free with the Warriors, the club would still need to find money for Williams, who could demand up to $20,000 a game. Few other NRL clubs would have the cap space this year to entice Williams.
Toronto management has formally granted their NRL players – including Williams, Leutele, Josh McCrone, Chase Stanley, Darcy Lussick and Bodene Thompson — permission to return home to play.
Clubs with available roster positions would need to sign the Toronto players before the NRL’s August 3 deadline.
Sources close to the club suggest Williams would take a week to return home, another fortnight in quarantine and then a further two weeks to prepare and acclimatise.
That would leave Williams – who signed a massive two-season $10m contract with Toronto last year – to unleash over five special weeks for the Warriors.
No player can hold Super League and NRL contracts concurrently. It would mean Williams would need to terminate his Wolfpack deal and then re-register next season, should the club re-enter Super League, as is expected.
While COVID restrictions have impacted on NRL gate takings, merchandise and member interaction, signing Williams could still prove lucrative.
There were some concerns Williams hadn’t adapted to the speed and timing of Super League before shutdown but, as always, he offered an intimidating physical presence. He would be used off the bench if signed by an NRL club.
Toronto didn’t play any homes games before the competition was suspended with all matches being played in England, further damaging the club’s financial position. Wolfpack management have guaranteed all players will be paid in full.
The Wolfpack stars have remained holed up in England during COVID with the Australian and New Zealand players now overstaying their visas which allow them to visit England for up to six months every year.
Toronto has been competing in Super League for the first time this year after securing promotion from the Championship. The Wolfpack lost all six games of the season before the competition was suspended.
A club statement read: “The COVID pandemic has presented unexpected and overwhelming financial challenges to the Wolfpack organisation.”
The Daily Telegraph
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