WILY WOLF SONNY STILL HAS THE HUNGER
SSR
SONNY Bill Williams has graced World Cup finals in both codes – yet Toronto’s superstar signing insists he still has it all to prove on the fields of Huddersfield, Wakefield andWigan.
Williams, on what is believed to be the biggest contract in the history of league or union, has yet to pull on a Wolfpack shirt in earnest as the Canadians prepare for life in the Super League. Held back by new coach Brian McDermott in Sunday’s friendly at Castleford, Williams insists he is now fit to begin his league return.
His debut is expected to come in the opening weekend clash with theTigers a week on Sunday. And despite his cross-code achievements and stint as New Zealand’s heavyweight boxing champion, the 34-year-old says he is starting afresh.
“I always have that point to prove, no matter where I am,” he said. “I still wouldn’t be around if I didn’t have that drive to succeed.
“I know that comparing or worrying about outside sources doesn’t get you anywhere, but sometimes if you use a little bit of that for motivation then it can be a good thing. I won’t overcomplicate it and I’ll play my cards and work hard for the lads. I’m a simple man and I try to keep things simple.
“There’s going to be 13 other players when we get out there and if I read too much into certain players and teams, I’ll get side-tracked. I’m excited because I’ve always enjoyed playing in England, but as a footy player I know how to get the best out of WILLIAMS’ HAUL OF FAME myself.” He certainly seemed at ease in Manchester City’s Etihad Campus yesterday, joking with team-mate Jon Wilkin – who was sporting a topless Williams phone cover, bought by his wife.
Canada is far less familiar, but Williams is aware of his role in spreading rugby league to a new audience.
“I understand that and I’m all for it – if it means doing a bit more of this stuff, or going and speaking to young kids, I’m all for it,” said Williams.
“They say Toronto is not just the sporting mecca of the world, but it’s the most multi-cultural city in the world.
“Me being a Polynesian, and also a man of faith, a Muslim, I’m looking forward to me and my kids experiencing it.
“We’ll do a bit of travelling, go to the Niagara Falls and over to America. We’ll watch a hockey game and a Raptors game.
“I’ve been doing this for 20 years and I’ve never played in Canada, so how exciting is that?”