Dimensions
155 x 232 x 27mm
Like most legends, we heard about Sonny Bill Williams before we saw him.
Fast, powerful, handsome, enigmatic, Sonny Bill is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime player coaches build premierships on, and clubs create dynasties around. But 'SBW' is not like other footballers.
He was rugby league's youngest ever contracted player yet walked out in 2008, breaking his contract with the Bulldogs to play rugby union in France. The NRL vowed never to have him back.
Yet in Europe, Sonny Bill's star never dimmed. His legend only grew.
Back in New Zealand, Sonny Bill helped Canterbury Crusaders to a Super Rugby final before leading Waikato Chiefs to its inaugural title the next year. He also helped the All Blacks win their first Rugby World Cup since 1987 and took up boxing, becoming WBA international heavyweight champion.
Now Sonny Bill was a superstar in three sports, an icon around the world.
He returned to rugby league and led Sydney Roosters to the 2013 premiership before signing a multi-million dollar deal as a global ambassador for Adidas then switching back to rugby union for the All Blacks' 2015 World Cup defence this Sep-Oct.
All the while, SBW was proving a modern truth. That in this new sporting world success is everything and memory is short. And no matter the code, when it comes to Sonny Bill Williams, everyone - clubs, fans, sponsors, media - ends up playing Sonny Ball.
