SBW into bat for converts
Sonny Bill Williams has urged star duo Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to have no regrets about quitting the NRL for a new chapter in rugby union.
Wallabies $5 million recruit Suaalii kicks off his final season at the Roosters in Sunday’s historic 2024 opener in Las Vegas, while Bondi backline cohort Manu is also poised to jump at the $1.1m lure being offered by French rugby clubs.
Williams sparked one of the greatest firestorms in NRL history when he sensationally walked out on the Bulldogs in 2008, moving overseas to start a new sporting life with French rugby club Toulon.
SBW went on to enjoy a stellar career in rugby union, amassing 58 Tests for the All Blacks in two stints.
With Manu poised to make a definitive call on his future, Williams backed the Kiwi Test star and Suaalii to succeed in rugby and lauded the duo for having the courage to chase new challenges.
“I think Joey and Suaalii will both thrive in the 15-man game,” Williams said.
“There are players who can cross codes and not everyone can do it, but the special ones can do it and Joey Manu will be outstanding in rugby union.
“Some guys haven’t quite made the transition because they just didn’t have it, but players like Manu and Suaalii won’t be failures in rugby.”
Suaalii has inked a threeyear mega deal with Rugby Australia, billionaire Roosters chairman Nick Politis remains confident the 20-year-old will find his way back to Bondi.
There is a view Suaalii will be hung out to dry as a big-money recruit in a Wallabies side in crisis following last year’s Rugby World Cup disaster, but Sonny Bill believes the Samoan Test ace is too good to fail.
“Joseph will make it,” Williams said. “You can’t be that tall and be the fastest in the team and jump higher than most players and not succeed.”