SBW to rise above big hits from rivals
SYDNEY Roosters players expect rival teams to continue to target Sonny Bill Williams but have warned that the global superstar will only get better with more game time.
Williams was solid in his first NRL game for six years, playing 14 minutes off the bench in a win over Canberra on Saturday night.
He made the most of his time on the field with 37 metres from seven runs, an offload and six tackles.
Williams also copped heavy punishment from Canberra players, who went out of their way to land a big hit on the World Cup-winning All Black.
Roosters centre Joey Manu has no doubts that opposition sides will continue to hunt down SBW.
“I think everyone will like playing against Sonny, so everyone will want to go after him,” Manu said.
“He went well on the weekend, so I’m looking forward to playing a few more games with him.”
Manu has achieved a lot in his young career, including consecutive premierships, but he rates running out with Williams alongside his finest achievements.
“Oh, it’s up there,” said Manu, who idolised SBW as kid growing up in Hamilton,
New Zealand.
“It was pretty cool. He is someone I used to watch, so to play next to him was pretty crazy to be in the sheds and seeing him across from me.
“He is a good guy. At training he has been awesome, especially for the young boys.”
Roosters co-captain Boyd Cordner was impressed with Williams’ first stint, but he knows he still has plenty left in his 35-year-old tank.
“He will be better for the run,” Cordner said.
“He brought a lot of impact and energy.”