Link: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/l...628-215b4.html
SBW still hasn't signed with Roosters - and there's no guarantee he will
Brad Walter
June 29, 2012
SIN BIN
Sonny Bill Williams is yet to sign with Sydney Roosters, and fans should not expect any official confirmation that he will be returning to the NRL for some time. In a radio interview, New Zealand Rugby Union boss Steve Tew said he knew what Williams's plans were, but could not say - and sent the rumour mill into overdrive, with reports that the All Blacks star was in Sydney and would be confirming a deal with the Roosters for next season. However, that speculation was wide of the mark and Williams has been in New Zealand all week preparing for the Chiefs' match against the Highlanders in Dunedin tonight. In the meantime, Williams is considering a lucrative offer from Japanese rugby powerhouse Panasonic Wild Knights, while colourful Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal - who was suspended for 130 days earlier this for saying had been the victim of ''refereeing sodomy'' - has recently expressed a desire to lure Williams back to France. Williams, the New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion, is also looking to schedule a fight later this year, possibly in South Africa. The Roosters' interest is well documented and the club has been busy freeing up room under the salary cap to accommodate him next season, but no deal has yet been finalised. Sin Bin understands an announcement on his future could be made before his manager, Khoder Nasser, travels to the United States for Anthony Mundine's July 14 fight with Bronco McKart in Las Vegas, but the announcement is unlikely to be about his joining the Roosters. Williams's anticipated return to the NRL has predictably created much gnashing of teeth among the Kiwi rugby media about his unfulfilled potential, but he will have the opportunity next season to add a Rugby League World Cup winner's medal with New Zealand to the one he won with the All Blacks last year.

SBW still hasn't signed with Roosters - and there's no guarantee he will
Brad Walter
June 29, 2012
SIN BIN
Sonny Bill Williams is yet to sign with Sydney Roosters, and fans should not expect any official confirmation that he will be returning to the NRL for some time. In a radio interview, New Zealand Rugby Union boss Steve Tew said he knew what Williams's plans were, but could not say - and sent the rumour mill into overdrive, with reports that the All Blacks star was in Sydney and would be confirming a deal with the Roosters for next season. However, that speculation was wide of the mark and Williams has been in New Zealand all week preparing for the Chiefs' match against the Highlanders in Dunedin tonight. In the meantime, Williams is considering a lucrative offer from Japanese rugby powerhouse Panasonic Wild Knights, while colourful Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal - who was suspended for 130 days earlier this for saying had been the victim of ''refereeing sodomy'' - has recently expressed a desire to lure Williams back to France. Williams, the New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion, is also looking to schedule a fight later this year, possibly in South Africa. The Roosters' interest is well documented and the club has been busy freeing up room under the salary cap to accommodate him next season, but no deal has yet been finalised. Sin Bin understands an announcement on his future could be made before his manager, Khoder Nasser, travels to the United States for Anthony Mundine's July 14 fight with Bronco McKart in Las Vegas, but the announcement is unlikely to be about his joining the Roosters. Williams's anticipated return to the NRL has predictably created much gnashing of teeth among the Kiwi rugby media about his unfulfilled potential, but he will have the opportunity next season to add a Rugby League World Cup winner's medal with New Zealand to the one he won with the All Blacks last year.


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