ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

'Let's give it a crack and see if I can still do it' - SBW admits retirement was a consideration

BY Grant Constable  ·  Monday Aug 10, 2020

Crosscode star Sonny Bill Williams has revealed that retirement crossed his mind before answering an SOS to return to the Sydney Roosters and the NRL.

ADVERTISEMENT

Williams, counting down his final days in mandatory quarantine in a Sydney apartment before joining his Roosters teammates, said it was hard to believe he was on the verge of an NRL comeback.

The 35-year-old former All Blacks and Roosters premiership player has signed a short-term NRL deal.

His return to the NRL comes after a stint with Toronto was cut short because of the pandemic that has forced the Wolfpack to withdraw from the remainder of the 2020 Super League season.

“I’m not going to lie. I didn’t know when the Toronto thing fell through. I was kind of tossing up if that was it,” Williams told Nine Network’s 100% Footy.

“I was a little bit sad to think things might have ended on that note. But then you fast forward a couple of weeks and the opportunity arose to come back here.

ADVERTISEMENT

“And it’s like ‘well, let’s give it a crack and see if I can still do it’. I’m 35 coming off surgery so that’s the challenge … hopefully we can make some good new memories over the next few months.”

Williams rejoins the Roosters as they bid for their third successive title amid one of the worst injury tolls in the NRL.

He will finish quarantine later this week and is reportedly on a timetable to be available for selection when the Roosters meet Canberra in another grand final rematch in the nation’s capital on September 5.

After starting his NRL career with Canterbury, Williams walked out on the Bulldogs in 2008 to join French rugby side Toulon.

ADVERTISEMENT

He went on to enjoy a successful Super Rugby career as well earning 58 caps for the All Blacks, winning a World Cup, before he was lured back to rugby league.

Williams made an immediate impact on his return to the NRL in 2013, helping the Roosters to premiership success. He stayed on for the 2014 season before returning to rugby.

He also said that a boxing bout with retired NRL star Paul Gallen was “one hundred per cent” certain to happen. According to Williams, the fight could be held within six months.

Gallen has long held an ambition to get into the ring with Williams but their boxing careers are yet to cross paths.

Related Articles

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Stormers go coast-to-coast for incredible...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 99 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 99 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All