https://wwos.nine.com.au/2018/02/25...o-make-nrl-return-for-sydney-roosters-in-2018
Sonny Bill Williams linked to shock NRL comeback with Sydney Roosters in 2018
By Stuart Honeysett
an hour ago
Sonny Bill Williams could be heading back to the NRL for one last hurrah following speculation the dual international could sign for the Sydney Roosters at the end of the Super Rugby season.
Former Roosters forward Jimmy Smith told 2KY’s
Big Sports Breakfast Weekend on Sunday that a deal has already been done which would see Williams land at Bondi Junction in time for the NRL's finals series.
Williams, 32, is playing for Auckland in the Super Rugby competition with the final scheduled for Saturday, August 4.
Smith said Williams had been told by New Zealand Rugby that he was not part of their plans for the 2019 World Cup paving the way for his return to the NRL.
For the deal to happen, the Roosters would need to register a contract with the NRL before the cut-off for the season ends on June 30.
"The mail is good," Smith said.
"From what I understand the deal is done. It will be a short stint at the end of the Super Rugby season.
"They (the Roosters) would have to register the contract before June 30.
They have space in the cap."
Williams had a two-year stint for the Sydney Roosters in 2013-14 and played a key role in the club ending an 11-year premiership drought in 2013.
The backrower is held in high regard by the club after bringing a level of professionalism to the team that is still spoken about in high regard today.
The Roosters are already favoured to win the 2018 competition and Williams' acquisition would only increase those odds, with the squad already boasting plenty of strike power in new recruits James Tedesco and Cooper Cronk.
Williams refused to rule out a return to the NRL when he last exited the game in 2014.
"Last year when I came back to the game I didn't think I'd be staying for two years or winning the competition, so anything's possible," Williams said.
"Of course there's always a chance, but I'm 29 now. The missus says I'm getting older and older. I'm not too sure how long I'll be running around for.
"But I can assure you that no matter how long I'm running around I'll be giving 120 per cent... anything's possible and it just comes down to hard work and that self belief."
