Sonny Bill Williams is weighing up a return to the Sydney Roosters

Sonny Bill Williams is ready to return to the Sydney Roosters and help the club chase a third premiership

Sonny Bill Williams has been playing for Toronto Wolfpack in the English Super League Picture: Getty Images

It is the Sydney Roosters or bust for Sonny Bill Williams.

Rival clubs chasing the cross-code superstar have been told that he will only consider a return to the Roosters this season and the prospect of a fairytale comeback has been given a glowing endorsement by the club’s players.

It is understood the Roosters have already begun the process of luring one of their favourite sons back to the club, a decision likely to come down before the weekend.

Time is of the essence.

Williams would be forced to spend at least a fortnight in isolation before he could return to the NRL, having been given permission by his employers at the Toronto Wolfpack – he is on a two-year contract worth $10 million – to find a short-term home after the club decided against completing the Super League season.

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The Warriors immediately registered an interest but it is understood they were told 34-year-old Williams would only return to the Roosters.

Williams has strong ties to the club, having made 45 appearances for the Roosters and played in their 2013 premiership side.

Significantly, he retains a close relationship with Roosters chair Nick Politis, who coincidentally had a prearranged lunch organised with Williams’ manager Khoder Nasser, player agent Steve Gillis and News Corp senior journalist Phil Rothfield on Wednesday.

Sources close to former All Blacks star Williams confirmed there was interest in a return to the Roosters and it was understood the feeling was mutual.

The Roosters would need to move a player from their top 30 but they have salary cap space and seemingly a desire to make it happen.

Certainly, the Roosters players backed any bid to bring Williams back to the club.

“If he does make a return to the NRL then definitely I‘d love to play alongside Sonny again, who wouldn’t?” skipper Boyd Cordner said.

“There‘s a lot of talk at the moment, I’m not sure how true it is. It’s gaining momentum but we’ll just see how that unfolds.

“When there’s talk of anyone coming back to the NRL the Roosters are going to get brought up. As a playing group we’re not too worried about that.

“I think our focus is about getting back in the winners’ circle and back on track.”

Asked what SBW would bring to the Roosters, Cordner said: “I know when he first came to the Roosters in 2013 how much of an impact he had on the playing group just being around the club. I’m pretty sure he’d have that same sort of impact.

“He’s a freak, the ultimate professional and we’ve seen him at the top of his game whether he boxes, comes back, plays union.

“His stint with us in 2013-14 and then going back and winning World Cups in union. It’s just what he does, he’s at the top of his game all the time. I’m not sure if age is a big factor in that.”

Williams would likely be available for as many as six games as well as finals. After going into quarantine, he would need time to get his match fitness up to speed but there is every chance he could play a significant role in the club’s run to the finals.

His signing is alluring for the Roosters because the club has already lost lock Victor Radley for the season and back rower Angus Crichton is sidelined with a knee injury.

Roosters officials were tight-lipped on Wednesday but Williams was always destined to return to the Roosters in some capacity, the club having earmarked him for a coaching or mentoring role prior to his departure.

In his two seasons at the club, the Roosters enjoyed a winning percentage of 67 per cent, securing a premiership, two minor premierships and a World Club Challenge.