Sonny Bill in Barbarians Rugby Side
March 2, 2009
Sonny Bill Williams’s inclusion in the UK-based invitational side has raised the hackles of many in the league community, who haven’t forgotten the former Bulldogs star walking out on his club mid-contract last year to join French rugby club Toulon.
Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill happily agrees Williams would put “bums on seats”, though he denied the move was a publicity stunt or an insult to league.
Bulldogs counterpart Todd Greenberg disagreed, however, saying that sports fans had “long memories”.
Former league stars Tom Raudonikis and Steve Roach were less diplomatic, saying the game should be boycotted.
“All Sydney sports fans should boycott the event. I reckon it’s just a publicity stunt because the match is only three days after Origin I. I just don’t rate Williams as a person. I would hate to be alongside this bloke in the trenches.”
Roach added: “Only his family will go to the match. He has dudded everyone else. People won’t forget how he left the Bulldogs.”
Greenberg said that sports fans would be aware of Williams’s unsporting departure.
“The Australian public are discerning and perceptive,” he said. “I’ve no doubt they’ll judge SBW for the decision he made.”
O’Neill said there was no intention to insult the NRL or steal the limelight of its season or major events.
“Will he put bums on seats? I suspect he will. Would I be happy about that? Yes, I would,” O’Neill said.
“We weren’t involved whatsoever in his defection. It happened and it’s been settled legally, and he’s free to play. We’re keen to see him play, and if he adds to the lustre, so be it.”
Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri, meanwhile, welcomed the news of Williams’s projected return to Australia.
“It’s great that he has the chance to come back and play in Australia,” Tuqiri said.
“I applaud him and applaud the organisers for getting him. He will certainly draw some attention to the occasion.”
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YAYYYY !!! IM SO HAPI TO GET THE CAHNCE TO C U PLAY AGAIN IN THE FLESH SONNY, PEOPLE !!! THERE IS ENUFF STRIFE IN THE WORLD AS IT IS, LETS ENJOY SONNY BILLS TALENT AN WHAT HE HAS TO BRING TO THE FEILD, THERE IS NO PERFECT PERSON IN THIS WORLD, AN DNT GO THERE WITH THE MORALS THINGS UNLESS U HVE WALKED IN ONES SHOES A PERSON CAN ONLY BUT JUDGE OR MAKE PRESUMPTIONS… EVEN UR FRIENDS R NOT UR FRIENDS THESE DAES… LETS ENJOY THE LOVE OF SPORT.