The Sydney Roosters are thrilled to confirm that superstar athlete Sonny Bill Williams will make his highly-anticipated return to rugby league with the foundation club in 2013.
Williams – who stands at 194cm and weighs in at 104kg – has agreed to a one season deal with the Roosters and will officially commence with the Tricolours in February, 2013 following a five-year absence from the code.
“This is a great coup for our proud club. Today, Sonny is making good on his promise to me that if he ever elected to return to rugby league, he would do so in the famous red, white and blue colours of the Sydney Roosters, and we are delighted to welcome him,” said Sydney Roosters Chairman, Mr Nick Politis.
“We are keenly aware of what Sonny brings to the table – his experience as a professional athlete is unmatched in our game. Not only is he bound to have a massive impact on the footy field but away from it as well.
“I am sure that every Roosters Member and supporter is as excited as the Roosters players and staff to have him joining our club. Even fans of other clubs and codes will be keen to witness Sonny’s return to the game.”
In his time away from rugby league, Williams played professional rugby in France and New Zealand, with the dual international winning a Super Rugby Title and Rugby World Cup. A professional boxer, he is also New Zealand’s current Heavyweight Champion.
Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, said: “Anybody that has dealt with Sonny knows that he is a professional. He’s a great leader and is to be commended for the way he lives his life both on and off the footy field.
“Sonny is quite a remarkable athlete, an instinctive footballer, and I am really looking forward to working with him as part of our squad.”
27 year-old Williams made his NRL debut in 2004 aged just 18 and already achieved success at the highest level.
“After a five year absence from the game, I have today signed a one season deal with the Sydney Roosters,” said Williams.
“This follows a long-standing promise I have had in place with Roosters Chairman, Nick Politis, that if I ever returned to rugby league, it would be in the red, white and blue of the famous Sydney Roosters club.
“I am really excited to be making my return with a great club like the Roosters. I have met with Nick and Trent and I am motivated to meet the challenges we have discussed head-on.
“This isn’t a decision I have made for money – if that was the case, I would be staying with rugby union. I have signed with the club for one season so as to fulfil my pre-existing boxing commitments.
“I have set myself a number of personal goals and challenges I want to achieve as part of this club and want to do all I can to help the Roosters win a premiership.
“There is a great team here that I am looking forward to being a part of and I can’t wait to get started.”
