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Cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams could make return to international arena, but not with New Zealand

Sonny Bill Williams. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
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By NZ Herald

Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams is reportedly eyeing a return to international rugby league but it might not be in the familiar black jersey.

Williams has hopped back to rugby league from rugby union after signing a lucrative two-year deal with the Toronto Wolfpack to play in the European Super League.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Williams is keen to play for Samoa in the 13-man code, eyeing up his debut against England next year in Sydney.

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The 34-year-old played 12 tests for the Kiwis after making his debut in 2004. His last test for the Kiwis was in 2013 before he returned to rugby to be part of the 2015 World Cup-winning All Blacks side.

Samoa coach Matt Parish told the Daily Telegraph he hadn’t been in talks with Williams but said he knows people who have.

“Sonny Bill would be massive for our team in terms of what we are trying to achieve,” Parish told the Daily Telegraph.

“My indications are that he is very keen. I definitely think playing for Samoa would appeal to Sonny at this stage of his career.

“We will be exploring every option. He is a leader on and off the field. Everywhere he goes Sonny Bill has a massive influence.

“Anything is a possibility. His leadership would be invaluable off the field and, on the field, his footy speaks for itself.”

While interest remains high within the Samoan camp about potentially acquiring Williams, New Zealand head coach Michael Maguire hasn’t discounted a possible return to the Kiwis for their former star man.

“Obviously I’ll talk to my senior players about whoever might be able to come in,” he told One News during the Kiwis’ test series against Great Britain.

“You’ve got to look at what we’re building and when people are coming in, are they driving towards where we want to go? It’s definitely an open opportunity.”

Williams played against Samoa during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

– Additional reporting by RugbyPass

This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.

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Phantom 47 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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