Sonny Bill Williams set to make Toronto debut; & could he play against England at the World Cup?

Sonny Bill Williams has been named in the Toronto squad for their pre-season game at Castleford on Sunday, which is Michael Shenton’s testimonial match.

Williams, 34, is the signing of the rugby league off-season and is included in a 21-man squad by Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott.

He will have had an eye on today’s 2021 World Cup draw too – the former two-time Rugby (union) World Cup winner could line up for Samoa or New Zealand at the tournament in England.

Playing for Samoa would enable him to take part in the tournament’s opening game, against England at St James’ Park.

England Performance Director, Kevin Sinfield, said: “It’d be great if Sonny Bill played for New Zealand or Samoa.

“I think it would make Samoa more of a threat with him in side.”

Williams has a two-year deal at the Wolfpack, which lead nicely in to what would be his first World Cup in rugby league since 2013, when he played for the Kiwi side that reached the final and was handsomely beaten by Australia at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Toronto enjoyed an opposed training session with Championship side Widnes at the Halton Stadium earlier this week.

The game at Castleford is their only scheduled pre-season game ahead of their clash with the Tigers that kicks off the Super League season at Headingley.