SBW flags off-field plans post World Cup
All Blacks second-five Sonny Bill Williams says he’s more concerned about staying on the rugby field than thinking about a return to rugby league.
Williams told Australian radio host Alan Jones that he can’t believe there is talk of him returning to league for a third stint.
“I’m here in New Zealand, I’m 33. I still can’t believe these rumours float around. I’m trying to stay on the paddock, more so than anything,” the injured All Black said on the 2GB breakfast show.
The Blues second-five is sitting out the first two games of the Rugby Championship as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
Williams said his focus was on making the World Cup as he chased a third title with the All Blacks.
“One hundred per cent. I’ve got one more year left on my contract which is 2019, God willing I’m a part of that,” he told Jones when asked about next year’s tournament in Japan.
The question whether Williams would play a second stint for the Roosters was put to him in a sitdown interview on Sunday Night with Matty Johns on Australia’s Fox Sports channel earlier this month.
“Family don’t tell everything bro,” Williams said with a smile. “Come on brother?” he said to Johns.
“Honestly, I’m 34 next year. I’m just happy doing what I love doing. I’m really concentrating on things off the field. I really want to affect my people, Pasifika people. With that comes responsibility. I need more knowledge in that field, which I’m doing. I’m studying. I’m doing my coaching papers. “I don’t know. I feel once, God willing, I can make it through next year and make that World Cup side, then after that . . . A, I have to keep the wife happy and B, if I do play on, it will have to be a place where I still have a voice.”
He returned to league in 2013, leading the Roosters to a title that year. Williams was confident the young midfield combination of Ngani Laumape and Jack Goodhue would step up tonight against Australia.
“I’ve got no doubt they’ll step up to the plate. They won’t just play, they’ll deliver,” Williams told Jones before talking up Goodhue.
“He’s fit, he’s strong and he’s fast. He’s got really good skills as well.”