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Man.. People are correct about this fellow.. But with supposedly 4 million offered.. Most peole would not turn that money down. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nr...-1226233913691 The Roosters will use the cash freed up from the expected retirements of fullback Anthony Minichiello and skipper Braith Anasta to fit Williams under the salary cap, which will be increased by 2013 anyway with the next television deal to provide a $1 billion-plus boost for clubs. Already they are saying the NRL is getting 1 billion.. What happens if they dont get it?
Called it. (Though I expected him to go to the Rabbitohs)
No real quotes there, just some spin. Anyway if he gets offered that kind of cash, can hardly blame him.
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Not sure if it's true, but I always expected him to leave. It's the reason I didn't want him in the All Blacks to start with. Just doesn't have the dedication to the AB jersey and players who should have had his spot, did. He's got a RWC medal, why would he stay? Anyway, even if it's not true (and I suspect it's more speculation than anything else), there was never any way he was going to be in NZ past 2012.
If he leaves, I hope he does it in style and helps the Chiefs to reach the Play offs
Apple is the hair of my motor Yeah, pimped and ready to roll
I would like him to stay until after the 2015 World Cup. If he continues to grow as a rugby union player and participates until 2015 then think of the money he could be offered after that tournament.
http://www.therugbyforum.com/RugbyLa...es/Ireland.pnghttp://www.therugbyforum.com/RugbyLa...ic/Munster.png
No definite proof but it dose seem, based on the evidence, that it is the case.
Soon we shall rejoice http://kidneyclock.net/
Originally Posted by Gavin I would like him to stay until after the 2015 World Cup. If he continues to grow as a rugby union player and participates until 2015 then think of the money he could be offered after that tournament. Not much more I wouldn't think. Sonny Bill Williams biggest attraction is his supposedly infinite potential. By the time the next RWC final comes around, he'll be around 30, not young enough to tie him up in a long and expensive contract. He got what he came for, which was the RWC winners medal and the All Blacks jersey which he's dreamed of all the way back when he was 24... In my opinion, I would have been happy to have been wrong and he continued to want to be an All Black for a few more years. The only positive is now someone who has actually dreamed of being the AB's inside centre for a long time can get a look in, after Ma'a Nonu retires from international rugby. Shame players like Gear missed out on a RWC match because of him though...
Originally Posted by TRF_nickdnz Not much more I wouldn't think. Sonny Bill Williams biggest attraction is his supposedly infinite potential. By the time the next RWC final comes around, he'll be around 30, not young enough to tie him up in a long and expensive contract. He got what he came for, which was the RWC winners medal and the All Blacks jersey which he's dreamed of all the way back when he was 24... In my opinion, I would have been happy to have been wrong and he continued to want to be an All Black for a few more years. The only positive is now someone who has actually dreamed of being the AB's inside centre for a long time can get a look in, after Ma'a Nonu retires from international rugby. Shame players like Gear missed out on a RWC match because of him though... Sorry Nick but its about time you take your tinted glasses off for the hatred of SBW. You can't really make that statement because there is no evidence to support your assumption that SBW did not dream of being an All Black. The fact he is successful in two codes has meant he has become a target for the likes of yourself for being jealous that he is good in two sports and no just the one. I 100% guarantee that in the same situation you would do the same and earn the most money you could playing a sport that within an instance can end your career. Not going to lie, if a team offers me more money then I would seriously consider going with the team that will pay me the most. The same is true with jobs, if one job offers you more, who are you going to work for? Company offering a poor wage or the one offering a bigger wage? SBW was not at fault for his selection as an All Black, it was the coaching staff and selectors that selected him, there fault therefore and not SBW. He's not a Gavin Henson media type person either, who comes up with stupid media comments, all of his media perception has come from poor journalism and his wacko agent. SBW is now a rugby icon that a lot of people who don't know much about rugby now know his name. SBW is no angel but the criticism he gets from yourself Nick and others is unwarranted at times.
Last edited by TRF_Cymro; 04-01-12 at 12:42 AM.
I don't get the fuss neither. Before he came back to NZ it was very clear he came back with 1 single goal. Help the Ab's win the RWC. Which he did. Canterbury also won the ITM cup and the crusaders nearly won the S15. For a player like him there aren't that many challenges left. The fact that he played games where other players missed out is not his mistake, point the finger at the selectors, altho they will say they picked him because the NZRU paid him big $.
Originally Posted by Amobokoboko I don't get the fuss neither. Before he came back to NZ it was very clear he came back with 1 single goal. Help the Ab's win the RWC. Which he did. Canterbury also won the ITM cup and the crusaders nearly won the S15. For a player like him there aren't that many challenges left. The fact that he played games where other players missed out is not his mistake, point the finger at the selectors, altho they will say they picked him because the NZRU paid him big $. Doing it twice. Any tool can do it once with a bit of luck. If Williams played a pivotal part in a third WC win for NZ, the first back-to-back win, that would be massive. It would write his name as a legend of the game. Instead he's a possibly overrated flit-by with a lot of cash. If he's happy then good on him, but saying there's nothing left for him to achieve falls way short of the mark imo.
English by birth, Ulster by love of funny accents Much Ado about Rucking - http://muchadoaboutrucking.blogspot.co.uk/ - cos you just loved reading the post above
Originally Posted by TRF_Cymro Sorry Nick but its about time you take your tinted glasses off for the hatred of SBW. You can't really make that statement because there is no evidence to support your assumption that SBW did not dream of being an All Black. The fact he is successful in two codes has meant he has become a target for the likes of yourself for being jealous that he is good in two sports and no just the one. I 100% guarantee that in the same situation you would do the same and earn the most money you could playing a sport that within an instance can end your career. SBW was not at fault, it was the coaching staff and selectors that selected him, there fault therefore and not SBW. SBW is now an icon in rugby that a lot of people who don't know much about rugby now his name. SBW is no angel but the criticism he gets from yourself Nick and others is unwarranted at times. It's not hatred, it's disapointment. I don't see any reason for me to be jelous either (over any other player that plays international rugby). I have always said that I was disapointed that the NZRU hired him, not that he wanted to play for the All Blacks. Of course he wanted to win a RWC and then bugger off, if I was a talented athlete like SBW, I could see the appeal, but I don't think he deserved to be an All Black by any sense of the word. He had one good game so far against Scotland, and then a lot of average games. Originally Posted by Peat Doing it twice. Any tool can do it once with a bit of luck. If Williams played a pivotal part in a third WC win for NZ, the first back-to-back win, that would be massive. It would write his name as a legend of the game. Instead he's a possibly overrated flit-by with a lot of cash. If he's happy then good on him, but saying there's nothing left for him to achieve falls way short of the mark imo. And that's the thing. He's got the accolades, when his most outstanding contribution to the RWC was a yellow card against Australia in the semi final. He's still got a long way to go before he becomes a regular starter for the All Blacks. Anyway, the rumor that he has signed for the Roosters has been denied by his agent. As I've always said, if SBW stays past 2012 I'll withdraw my criticism of the NZRU for signing up, but other than media interest, I don't think he has done any good for the All Blacks legacy.
Rule of thumb: Never trust transfer rumors to do with players managed by Khoder Nasser... They are hit and miss at best. Even if this one is true, it's one of the rare times they have actually told the media the truth. It's impossible to trust anything they say. Just last year, Quade Cooper had "signed for the Reds", then was "about to move to the NRL", then "signed for the Reds" again... Need to wait for an official announcement to ever be sure unfortunately.
I think this (if it's true-and that's a big if) is just a sign of the times in professional sport today. He has more to prove in Rugby than he does in League. After all in League he's won a premiership with the Bulldogs and played a way more significant role with the Kiwis than he has so far with the ABs. It's all about money and really who could blame him. You're a long time retired with very minimal earning capacity.
You do know what the word "confirmed" means right?
Originally Posted by ranger You do know what the word "confirmed" means right? The media reckon they've finalized a deal, (even if that's the case, he's probably yet to sign anything though). I'd still hesitate to trust SBW camp's word on anything. If another club comes along with twice as much money he'll probably "finalize" a deal with them as well.
Last edited by TNT88; 02-01-12 at 12:31 PM.
Don't believe this story for one minute, but I would be incredibly surprised if SBW remained in NZ for the rest of his career. I think he'll hang around there for a short while, to get some more All Black caps and actually cement the 12 jersey now Nonu's eating sushi. But then money is money. I can see a big 2 year contract with one of the top NRL clubs, just to come back and show the leaguies what they've missed. Then he'll be back off to France to earn a nice pension; retire from rugby and then focus 100% on boxing.
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...63737913_n.jpg
Why is there so much money in the NRL. I don't follow it much is it really that big?
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2...406498,00.html Looks like it could just be a load of bull after all.
Originally Posted by welshglory Why is there so much money in the NRL. I don't follow it much is it really that big? It's no different to Europe really. Instead of soccer and rugby union clubs owning the market share here, NRL and AFL clubs do. (just a very broad example)
Typical Sonny Bill, his moves always have to be a forever running saga which go on forever before a decision is made such as Bulldogs - Toulon Toulon - Crusaders Crusaders - Chiefs every one of those moves has taken forever to happen
Most of the top NZ league players have all stated that they've wanted to pull on the AB's jersey at some time, Mannering, Benji Marshall etc. I never wanted him to come to Union, he's a merc with only a sense of loyalty to himself. It's fine to chase the dollar but to do so at the cost of someone who will genuinely bleed to get in that black jersey. The AB's coaches are to blame, let's not forget that they also chased Luke McAlister. SBW an Icon? He couldn't clean the dirt between Michael Jones boots. He's going to leave rugby with a few highlights and a deserved RWC ring and possibly alot of Maybe's and What if's. Originally Posted by welshglory Why is there so much money in the NRL. I don't follow it much is it really that big? The Media rights are up for negotiation - which previously had been set at a low value given the coverage, salary cap as well as other things are set too increase in the millions. It's one of the biggest sports in Aus so they pull a fair bit of coin. All up, I hope he reaches his potential at some sport. The Kiwis (NZ RL) have already shown that they didn't need him for the 4 nations or the RL World Cup. The All Blacks have shown that they didn't need him to win a RWC. It was nice too have him tho. And the amount of viewing that he got when his jersey was ripped increased by the millions.
Originally Posted by UilamOsa Most of the top NZ league players have all stated that they've wanted to pull on the AB's jersey at some time, Mannering, Benji Marshall etc. I never wanted him to come to Union, he's a merc with only a sense of loyalty to himself. It's fine to chase the dollar but to do so at the cost of someone who will genuinely bleed to get in that black jersey. The AB's coaches are to blame, let's not forget that they also chased Luke McAlister. SBW an Icon? He couldn't clean the dirt between Michael Jones boots. He's going to leave rugby with a few highlights and a deserved RWC ring and possibly alot of Maybe's and What if's. The Media rights are up for negotiation - which previously had been set at a low value given the coverage, salary cap as well as other things are set too increase in the millions. It's one of the biggest sports in Aus so they pull a fair bit of coin. All up, I hope he reaches his potential at some sport. The Kiwis (NZ RL) have already shown that they didn't need him for the 4 nations or the RL World Cup. The All Blacks have shown that they didn't need him to win a RWC. It was nice too have him tho. And the amount of viewing that he got when his jersey was ripped increased by the millions. That's my feellings in a nut shell. I don't mind him chasing money, but I feel the NZRU were wrong to sign someone who wasn't experienced and loyal and give him all the oppertunities that other players didn't get. I'd have rather seen McAlister there to be honest, the difference between the two was that McAlister got one shot for the All Blacks the minute he returned and then got nothing for two years (despite being a proven talent), where SBW got every oppertunity. Originally Posted by welshglory Why is there so much money in the NRL. I don't follow it much is it really that big? For the same reason that Rugby Union will never get prime television rights in Australia. Rupert Murdoch with News Corp owns a huge amount of the NRL.
Last edited by TRF_nickdnz; 03-01-12 at 01:37 AM.
No surprise at all that SBW has been talking with NRL Clubs. As primarily a rugby union fan it is a bit unfortunate that we will never see him truly reach his potential in the sport.
I agree with most of the comments here, it's a shame he probably won't stick to union. That said, he's a great talent and I don't really feel the need to call him a merc. He's pulled his family up with him and if he gets an offer of the sort people are speculating anyone would have a hard time saying no.
As if he is getting that kind of money in the NRL. The whole reason he left was because of the restrictive nature of the salary cap to limit a player's earning potential. Granted it has been lifted by then but still not by much. If he does get a huge pay day like that I can guarantee it will have a negative impact on his team's prospects.
though I'm looking forward to him playing for the chiefs if he is going back to league I wish he'd done it this year. Isn't there a rugby league world cup this year 2012? he could have had a go at that. I don't understand why people have such a big problem with him. Sure he's different but the fact is he is very very good and he's a marketing dream. Most haters just have a bad case of tall poppy syndrome IMO. A professional sportsman's carrier only lasts 10-15 years and they only peak for part of that or so and he's obviously trying to get the most out of it that he can and try a number of different things. And I can't fault him for chasing the cash - he's one of the most marketable people in sport, he brings people to the games and creates headlines and his teams win, and it cost him $1m to get out of his bulldogs contract so he had to pay that off too and he has family to support. To me he seems like a good guy and a humble person, a good role model, he enjoys what he does, all coaches and players he works with give glowing reports. I think the fact he's always in the news pisses some people off. But is that his fault or the media's fault. At least when he's in the news it's not because he got pissed, got in a fight or similar. I have no doubt he will have a +ve impact at the chiefs, he's a world class 12 and 12 has been a weakness at the chiefs for a number of years now.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o.../kakahitsm.jpg "The laughing bear, drives a motorcycle" - Israel Dagg, Sep - 2011 Cometh the hour, cometh the Don!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/6238073/Sonny-Bill-Williams-unlikely-to-stay-in-Hamilton "The last few years I've signed one-year contracts just to put pressure on myself to perform," he said. Yeah of course $onny, that's why you sign one-year contracts.
Originally Posted by Larksea though I'm looking forward to him playing for the chiefs if he is going back to league I wish he'd done it this year. Isn't there a rugby league world cup this year 2012? he could have had a go at that. Nope, it's in 2013, so he'll be right on time. I don't mind if he plays for the kiwis in the RLWC, he's at least the best in his position there, and the credit he has got there is well earned. Plus the kiwis need SBW more than the AB's need him.
Last edited by TRF_nickdnz; 11-01-12 at 12:29 AM.
In fairness, you can not like the guy for being a mercenary, but to me he's coming across as ambitious and driven. Being a star in the NRL means you are a ****ing talented player. A hell of a lot of talented NRL stars have gone to Union and been good but not great - and SBW would walk in to any team in the world right now at 12 (besides Ma'a Nonu). Not to mention being a good boxer as well - no Lennox Lewis and never will be, but he's not shabby either. It's clear he knows how talented he is, and wants to engineer himself the best possible challenges to it. Life's not always that easy, which is why the Crusaders didn't win Super Rugby and why he wasn't 1st choice for the ABs, but he wanted to win those two titles in 2011 more than he wanted to sit around counting money in Toulon. I can't work out why he's moved to the Chiefs - money may have something to do with it but it's NZ so I can't think there's that much floating around. Maybe wanting to see what difference he can make to an average team? Don't know, but again it would be easy for him to be playing in France or Japan right now. If I were him, I'd have a serious effort to win the Super Rugby title, which may have been a better option at Crusaders, but there you go. There's the Tri Nations that he should play a part in too. Then it would make sense to go and sign for Manly or a big NRL club and have a real push at winning the 2013 title, and then world cup. Then I'd go and sign for Toulouse and stay in France earning money until I'd won the Heineken Cup, at which point I'd have a think about boxing. He's got the world at his feet - there's not a single side who won't have him if they can afford him, and he'd be one of the most decorated sportsmen in history - in not just one, but two sports.
