The question is this: How does Sonny Bill Williams want to be remembered?
No one will ever forget his magical offloads or rocking left shoulder. But rugby's most talked-about league convert risks being chronically tainted if he, again, changes codes next year.
Lucrative one-year deals may benefit the worldwide superstar's bulging bank balance, but most revered athletes, even in this modern era, earn respect through loyalty.
The coveted All Blacks jersey doesn't reserve historic praise for flash-in-the-pan prodigies. Service crafts engagement on that honour roll.
It's a notion that stretches across the globe. Think Darren Lockyer, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Benji Marshall, Nathan Hindmarsh, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan or Steven Gerrard. All one-club legends with devotion equal to their pedigree.
On the pitch, Williams captivates. But his off-field decisions, made with back-room minders, could ultimately define and derail his career.
His insistence that sport is a business doesn't sit right. It's cold and lacks empathy for the man on the street, the star-struck kid in the backyard.
Whether it's the constant stream of advice, or intense profile, Williams doesn't appear to harness the grounded Kiwi nature.
His curious absence from the Rugby World Cup victory parades was case in point.
"It is a business, man. These days, franchises are trying to do what is best for them to make money. So you've got to do what you've got to do," Williams told the Sunday Star-Times of his future plans.
"On the field, I'll always back the boys and give my all. But when it comes to off the field, I'm smart in that sense. I know what the goal is and how to look after myself."
Sure, sportsmen have limited careers, earning capacity and the individual right to choose their path. But the top echelon also collect multi-year endorsements long after retirement. They will never struggle.
To utilise his gifts and be truly valued, Williams must commit to a long-term cause, soon.
He must grasp the rich, emotive sentiment attached to sport, realise it's about more than dollar bills that it encapsulates loyalty, unity and, for hearty fans attached to an emblem, a passion and bond ingrained deep in their heritage.
Bulldogs, Toulon, Crusaders, Chiefs. The list is growing, the public distancing.
Even Williams' harshest critics cannot deny his supreme talent and unrelenting drive he is training 10 hours a day, five times a week, combining rugby and low-grade boxing.
You don't maintain that physique without serious dedication.
"He could be something special in this game and find an important place in New Zealand society for the future," former All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said. "You look at our great All Blacks. They are held in high esteem in this country. He could achieve that. But he is his own man."
No contract has yet been inked, but all signs point to Williams defecting back to league with the Sydney Roosters next year. His four-year ban from the NRL after walking out on the Bulldogs and Kiwis ahead of their remarkable world cup triumph ends this year.
Williams says "it wouldn't be accurate to say that" he is destined to play at Bondi next year and he "didn't get offered a five-year deal" worth $4 million. He did, however, speak strongly of his desire to return, at some point.
"Because I've grown up as a league player I always watch footy games, especially the big ones, State of Origin, the NRL grand final, and think `I wouldn't mind being out there'.
"I know you want something concrete, but I just do things I know is going to bring out the best in me, hence why I've been signing one-year deals."
Many believe Williams' freakish skills flourish best in the 13-man code's structures and freedom.
Smith doesn't agree. The experienced mentor, now perched alongside Williams at the Chiefs, has urged the 26-year-old to stick with union.
After instigating his transition three years ago, seeing him leave now would dishearten the coach.
"I'd like him to stay. He knows that," Smith said. "It would be a big disappointment if he leaves. I'm pretty hopeful he will stay.
"I don't think there's a lack of loyalty in anything he does. He's got aspirations and goals. They may not fit with everyone else but they're his, and good on him for chasing them.
"He took a massive pay cut to come back from Toulon to follow a dream. That's something a lot of other players weren't prepared to do."
Even so, if Williams is a Chook next year each code would have experienced a walkout. A potential rugby legacy would be wasted, not befitting his true ability.
Whatever his next move, he would do well to consider how he wants to be remembered.
Lasting commitment is endearing. Code hopping is not.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/6258417/Sonny-Bill-loyal-to-himself-and-proud
betcha sweet arse.
