Sonny Bill Williams insists he can play in Toronto’s first Super League game
SONNY Bill Williams insists he will be ‘ready to go’ by Toronto Wolfpack’s first match in Super League.
But the dual-code New Zealand superstar admitted he will be ‘rusty’ on his return to rugby league.
Williams has been brought back to the 13-a-side code by the Canadian side after it was promoted to the top flight.
After putting himself through a month of gruelling personal sessions at Surfing Australia, the 34-year-old admits he is getting his ‘running legs.’
But after missing the Wolfpack’s pre-season win over Castleford on Sunday and having to return to his homeland shortly to be at the birth of his fourth child, he is adamant he will be able to take on the Tigers at Leeds’ Headingley stadium on Sunday, February 2.
However, he admitted that fans should not expect miracles from minute one.
Williams said: “I understand I will be rusty, it will be my first game of rugby league for five years.
“But it’s about building into the season – for the early part, it will be just about doing the little things well.
“I’m trying to fit into how the Toronto boys play, then hopefully I can some of my stuff.
“But come round one, I should be ready to go.”
Williams – who has never been to Canada – has already struck up a relationship with Toronto veteran Jon Wilkin, who showed off a Christmas present from wife, Olympic swimmer Fran Halsall – a mobile phone cover showing his new team-mate topless!
And the former St Helens back-rower has been blown away by what his new team-mate is like, even if he does overshadow him.
He said: “He’s made me feel immediately inadequate!
“If you see Sonny in his pants, you’ll understand what I’m talking about.”
Wilkin also dismissed concerns that Toronto only having a squad of 23 players may cost them, adding: “The evidence that having a large squad is good for performance is only anecdotal.”
Meanwhile, Toronto’s ‘home’ fixture against St Helens will, be moved from the home of rugby union salary cap cheats Saracens.
However, chief executive Bob Hunter revealed the February 29 fixture will still be played in London.