The crazy figure being offered to Sonny Bill Williams to play league in Canada

All Black Sonny Bill Williams has been reportedly offered a NZ$5m one year deal to return to rugby league with the Toronto Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack’s billionaire owner David Argyle told foxsports.com.au that they were hoping to bring Williams in on a one-year deal and made the offer to the player’s agent in the Middle East last year.

“We are working towards making Sonny Bill Williams a Wolfpack player for 2020. We would love to have him join the Wolfpack family and we will pay whatever it takes to make that happen,” said Argyle.

“The excitement he would bring to the sport of rugby league in this country would be incredible. Having someone of his talent join the Wolfpack would greatly raise the profile of the club, but also help move the game forward globally.

“Sonny is a phenomenal athlete. He is rugby’s LeBron James and we see his recruitment as bigger than when David Beckham joined LA Galaxy. He is box office and puts bums on seats. It may be one of his last seasons and I am sure that rugby fans – whether league or union – across North America will travel to Toronto to see a player of his quality represent the Wolfpack.”

Williams’ manager Khoder Nasser has declined to comment insisting the player had a big year to concentrate on, including the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Williams, 33, has been named in the Blues side for their Super Rugby clash against the Sharks in Durban on Sunday.

The Toronto Wolfpack missed out on promotion to the English Super League when the lost a play-off against London Broncos 4-2 in what was called the “Million Pound” game. They entered the rugby league system in 2017 giving the sport a North American presence. They are currently under the leadership of former Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott.