Williams to return to NRL

Controversial former Canterbury superstar Sonny Bill Williams will return to the NRL next season with the Sydney Roosters.

Williams, who walked out on the Bulldogs to sign for French rugby union side Toulon in 2008, has agreed a one-year deal with the Tricolours.

He was a World Cup winner with the All Blacks last year and has also carved out a career as professional boxer, winning all five of his heavyweight bouts.

“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,” Williams, 27, told the Roosters’ official website.

“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.”

Williams caused outrage when he backed out of his Bulldogs contract with many suggesting he should never be allowed to return to the NRL.

But no-one is ready to deny Williams’ stature as an athelete.

Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, added: “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.”