Sonny Bill's future all mapped out
CHRIS BARCLAY
Last updated 06:50
14/10/2013
Sonny Bill Williams probably didn't comprehend the irony of a recurring theme couched within the explanation for his latest career moves.
As he inevitably commanded centre stage before the Kiwis training run in Sydney yesterday, Williams used a derivative of the phase "making my intentions clear" on five instances when justifying his decision to represent New Zealand at the World Cup -- and extend his second NRL stint for another season.
Critics would argue the cross-code superstar's clarification is as belated as his backflip to represent the Kiwis, though Williams was unrepentant other than reissuing an apology to Tohu Harris -- the Melbourne Storm second rower dropped to accommodate him in the 24-man squad.
Williams, who flies out to England tomorrow, said he was relieved to finally have his medium-term future sorted -- although he is yet to officially re-sign with the Roosters or New Zealand Rugby Union.
The 28-year-old has dominated the post-NRL grand final focus as his change of heart regarding the World Cup and talks with Chiefs and NZRU officials in Sydney last week fuelled ever-present speculation about his plans for 2014 and beyond.
Williams, with his game face on, reckoned he was also tired of the conjecture.
"The past couple of days have been pretty tough but I'm happy to have got my future sorted," he said.
"I'm just as over it hearing about what I'm going to do this or that year. It's good to have my intentions clear for the next three years."
For Williams the pull of representing the Kiwis at the World Cup and then assisting the Roosters quest for back-to-back premierships proved irresistible -- the lure of defending the rugby World Cup in England in 2015 and rugby sevens debut sat the Rio de Janeiro Olympics then take precedence.
"In a perfect world, if it all fell into place that's how I'd like to do it," he said, knowing injury is likely to provide the only stumbling block.
Rumours of a three-year deal with the NZRU proved wide of the mark after he was seen in discussions with Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith but he does yearn to return to the Chiefs -- who are now in discussions with his midfield rival Ma'a Nonu.
"It was making my intentions clear that I want to go back," said Williams, of that lunchtime meeting that was misinterpreted.
"It was just clearing up a few things and just I guess being up front and honest with them, how I've always been."
Williams thought it could be a risk delaying his return to the 15-man code until World Cup year but again backed himself to perform when making the transition.
"I know the pressure's firmly on myself. That's the way I like it, it seems to bring out the best in me."
Williams certainly didn't portray the best look when turning down Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney only to make himself available after the squad had been announced.
Criticism, he shrugged, was inevitable.
"There's always going to be sour grapes in certain parts of the (mainstream and social) media. I can't control that. All I can control is how I operate as a person and how I operate as a man."
Kearney, meanwhile, was pleased the focus could finally return to the squad's preparations following a week of intrigue and recrimination.
"The thing is he's here now ... the focus is he's here and what we've got ahead."
Kearney said Williams's late arrival had not affected squad harmony and laughed when asked if New Zealand's most sought after footballer was actually bigger than the team -- or the code.
"Everyone's got to do their job," he said.
"Sonny's no different to anyone else in the side."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/...all-mapped-out
