Sonny Bill Williams: NRL prepared to relax rules for dual-code star
"We should look at every case on its merits, we should not have blanket rules that stop you from doing things for the benefit of the game"
Monday 27 July 2020 10:50, UK
Australia's NRL is prepared to give Sonny Bill Williams an exemption from a contractual rule which would allow the New Zealander to play for the champion Sydney Roosters, league boss Peter V'landys said on Monday.
As is the case with all the Wolfpack players, Williams has been given permission to pursue a short-term contract after the Canadian team pulled out of the restart of Super League due to financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The dual-code international's current deal with Toronto runs until the end of the 2021 season, but team owner David Argyle has admitted there is a chance Williams may not return next year if his head is turned by another team.
Players are not allowed to sign with an NRL team if they hold a playing contract outside the league but V'landys said an exception could be made for Williams if he were still contracted to Toronto.
"One option is that he only has one contract with whatever (NRL) club he goes to," V'landys told reporters on Monday.
"If that's not the case we will change the rules to give us flexibility to adapt to the two-contract situation but give exemption for specific circumstances like this one.
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"We will look at anything that's for the benefit of the game... We should look at every case on its merits, we should not have blanket rules that stop you from doing things for the benefit of the game."
Williams's two-year deal with Wolfpack is worth a reported £5.5m.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said last week that the NRL champions were on the brink of finalising a deal with Williams, who was integral in their 2013 championship season.
V'landys said tweaking the contracts rule for Williams would not be unfair on other clubs, adding that the league wanted to bring another eight offshore players to Australia to help teams with injury-hit rosters.
"We do not show fear or favouritism. Just because it's the Roosters, (they) shouldn't be penalised," he said.
