Sonny Bill Williams

‘He’s underestimated me quite a bit’: SBW doubles down on ‘world event’ fight against Jake Paul

Paul, the YouTube sensation who has turned his hand to boxing, suggested Williams was on a “hit list” of potential opponents as he weighs up who to fight next after knocking out UFC star Tyron Woodley in December.

 

‘What a farce’: Australia stunned as Sonny Bill KOs Barry Hall in a flash

Williams was a hurricane from the first bell and had knocked Hall down inside the first 45 seconds of the fight.

It was a slaughter right from the start when Williams landed a heavy left hook after just 15 seconds that had Hall falling back onto the ropes.

The 45-year-old never recovered.

Suddenly it was very easy to tell Williams was nine years younger and boasted an 11kg weight advantage.

There was some confusion with the referee appearing to wave the fight off as Hall got back to his feet the second time.

Wolfpack won't be back

Last November Williams signed a two year deal with the Wolfpack for a reported 10 million dollars.

The Wolfpack pulled out of this year's competition in July citing financial challenges from the Covid-19 outbreak, having failed to pay players, coaches and staff for several months.

New owner Carlo LiVolsi offered to underwrite the club's losses, but his plans were rejected at a meeting of the Super League clubs.

SBW 'no surprise' he's heading to Roosters

Williams hasn't played in the NRL since 2014 but is returning to the Sydney Roosters with his Canadian club Toronto Wolfpack pulling out of the Super League due to COVID-19.

Williams, who turns 35 next week, has told Nine News he had booked flights to go on a European family holiday before the Roosters came calling with their two to three month deal reportedly worth $150 thousand.

Warriors show interest in SBW

The Toronto team has withdrawn from the August restart of Super League Europe due to financial challenges from the Covid-19 outbreak, leaving marquee recruit Williams free to find a club in the NRL.

The reigning champion Sydney Roosters, who Williams helped to the title in 2013, are likely to be first in the queue having lost a couple of key players to injury since the league resumed at the end of May.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George, though, said his side would also be interested in bringing the 34-year-old former Kiwis forward to the Auckland-based club.

Sonny Bill Williams’ Samoa v Jason Taumalolo’s Tonga set to go ahead in America

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that promoter Paul Langi Kinikini wants to cough up the cash to bring the two mega stars to Utah.

The city has a large Tonga population and if it gets approved by international chiefs would be played in Salt Lake City.

League authorities would be wise to examine the fallout from the Kiwis vs England Test in Denver in 2018, which saw both the New Zealand and English federations out of pocket following Jason Moore’s failed event.

But Kinikini told The Sydney Morning Herald he didn’t have an issue with paying the cash up front.

SBW sees positive signs for Toronto

The New Zealand great, who began his professional rugby career with the Canterbury Bulldogs, switched codes again last year when he left the Blues to join Toronto ahead of their inaugural Super League season.

Twice a World Cup winner with the All Blacks, Williams was unable to help the Wolfpack avoid a 28-10 defeat to Castleford Tigers in their opening match of 2020.

Toronto lose on Super League bow

Toronto – only formed four years ago – marked their debut in the top flight by scoring an early try, Liam Kay getting on the end of a grubber kick in the first of two games played at Headingley on Sunday.

Williams was on the bench at that stage and the New Zealander, who last played in the 13-man code in 2014, endured an inauspicious start following his introduction to proceedings, knocking on with his first touch.

Castleford recovered quickly after falling behind, Greg Eden, Grant Millington, Adam Milner and Michael Shenton all scoring tries before the break.

Sonny Bill Williams allowed to cover Betfred logo on jersey

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone says an agreement has been reached with Betfred - one of the UK's biggest betting companies. Gambling is considered 'haram' or forbidden in Islam, along with other practices like drinking alcohol. 

Williams converted from Christianity to Islam in 2009 and was the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks. 

"I think the matter has been resolved in satisfactory fashion," said Elstone. "I have say a big 'thank you' to Betfred for the way they've managed this.

World Cup organisers hoping for SBW to kick-off 2021 edition

Australia will meet Fiji, Italy and Scotland in Group B, while New Zealand were drawn against Ireland, Jamaica and Lebanon in Group C and Tonga play Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and Wales in Group D.

In the women’s tournament, New Zealand were drawn in the same pool as Australia in a massive boost for the likes of England and PNG.

However, most interest in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace centred on which team Prince Harry picked as England's opponents in the opening match on 23 October, 2021. The match will be played at St James' Park in Newcastle.