SONNY BILL: A RUCK AND ROLE MODEL Williams makes time for kids to ‘inspire them to be good players and great people’

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS has revealed why he never turns away young fans who want a bit of his time.

The dual-code superstar is in huge demand wherever he goes with Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack.

And his determination to satisfy every fan’s selfie request can take up to 30 minutes after games and has surprised some of his team-mates.

But Williams said it was his own childhood experience that makes him keen to be a role model.

He said: “I still remember Eroni Clarke, an All Black (in action against South Africa, below), coming to our school when I was eight. He was an awesome, energetic, loving guy, and if I can affect a few kids in that way, then so be it. As sportsmen, we have got to understand that we are more than just rugby players, or people kids look up to.

“There is a responsibility on us to walk into their space and captivate those kids, see how they can aspire to be rugby players and aspire to be good people as well.”

Team-mate Jon Wilkin admits that having arguably the world’s biggest rugby star in their team is rubbing off on everyone. He said: “Everyone wants a piece of him. It’s a difficult thing to do when you do not want to speak but still conduct yourself how he does. “His experience is so different from ours. But he has taught the guys in our squad and our game a lot about how to behave when people want your time.”

Williams, whose fourth child was born earlier this month, is slowly finding his feet back in league after five years playing union.

He is believed to be earning £5million for his two-year deal with Toronto, who have lost all four games in Super League so far. But the Wolfpack’s performances have been improving, and they pushed Warrington close at the weekend, before losing 32-22.

Toronto were yeterday given a tough Challenge Cup fifth round draw against Super League leaders Huddersfield.

It is the only all-super League clash, with Wakefield being drawn at home to Bradford and Hull KR hosting Leigh.

The other eight Super League clubs enter the competition in the next round.

Fifth-round draw: Wakefield v Bradford, Widnes v Swinton, Sheffield v Workington, Newcastle v Whitehaven/dewsbury, Featherstone v Hunslet, Toronto v Huddersfield (to be played at Huddersfield), Hull KR v Leigh, York v Rochdale. Ties to be played weekend of March 14-15.

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