Contrary to previous reports from Australia, it appears that Sonny Bill Williams is staying in the NRL for 2014 after all and will play for the Roosters.
It's a big blow for the NZRU who had been courting SBW for much of this season. Their chances of landing him for 2014 seemed to be great after SBW led the Roosters to Grand Final glory on Saturday.
Alas, SBW's recent u-turn to play for the Kiwis probably hinted that he was staying in the 13 man code for another season.
It's a win for New Zealand rugby league who had lost their other big star, Benji Marshall to rugby union - and for the game of rugby league as a whole, given that their best player is very much staying in the game.
And the All Blacks and Chiefs will be fine - they have already shown this year that Sonny Bill Williams was just another player and that they have plenty of depth and talent in midfield. Indeed, SBW's decision will be great news for the likes of Ma'a Nonu, Francis Sai'ili, Ryan Crotty and Bundee Aki whose position would have been contested by SBW.
I guess the next goal for SBW in league other than winning the Rugby League World Cup is to make it back to back titles for Trent Robinson's Roosters and possibly win the Clive Churchill medal he missed out to Dale Cherry-Evans in this year's Grand Final.
It's a win for New Zealand rugby league who had lost their other big star, Benji Marshall to rugby union - and for the game of rugby league as a whole, given that their best player is very much staying in the game.
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| SBW not coming is a boost for Ryan Crotty's AB and Bundee Aki's Chiefs chances |
I guess the next goal for SBW in league other than winning the Rugby League World Cup is to make it back to back titles for Trent Robinson's Roosters and possibly win the Clive Churchill medal he missed out to Dale Cherry-Evans in this year's Grand Final.
But bloody Tony Veitch!!!
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