Following months of reports and speculation, the announcement of all 14 24-man squads for Rugby League World Cup 2013 confirmed that Sonny Bill Williams will #bethere as part of the New Zealand squad.
SBW had initially hinted that he would not be available for the tournament, citing fatigue following the Roosters’ NRL Grand Final triumph over Manly Sea Eagles, and a desire to spend time with his family.
But the former Canterbury Bulldog was quickly forced into a change of heart, admitting on Twitter that he did not want to miss out on what could be the best ever Rugby League World Cup, and the global sporting event of 2013.
Williams was absent in 2008 when the Kiwis lifted the trophy as world champions, but he is likely to be a part of the squad tasked with defending it, following his late addition to head coach Stephen Kearney’s 24-man touring party.
Sonny last played Rugby League on these shores in 2004, when he scored a try for the Kiwis in a defeat to Great Britain in that year’s Tri-Nations series.
His last game for New Zealand in the 13-a-side code came four years later, when he was again on the losing side as the Kiwis were defeated by Australia in a Test Match.
From there, SBW went on to make a name for himself in Rugby Union, quickly making his debut for the All Blacks and establishing himself as one of the finest players in the 15-a-side code.
But in his heart, Sonny yearned for a return to League, and his wish was granted ahead of the 2013 season when he signed for Sydney Roosters.
The dream became a fairytale later in the year when the Roosters won the NRL Grand Final, and the legendary second rower now has his eyes on the biggest prize in international rugby at RLWC2013, as the Kiwis look to defend the title they won off the Aussies in 2008.
See Sonny Bill Williams at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington on October 27 when New Zealand face Samoa, at Parc des Sports in Avignon on November 1 when they take on France, or at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium in Leeds on November 8 for the clash with PNG.
Buy your tickets at www.rlwc2013.com/tickets or call the 24-hour Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 2013.