Sonny Bill Williams to sign for Catalans Dragons?

[josie andrews]

Rumours are circulating that Catalans are working hard to secure one of the biggest signings in rugby league history.

Sonny Bill Williams, who was recently linked with Championship outfit Toronto, is now a target for the Dragons.

Numerous media outlets such as League Weekly and Rugby Pass claim that the Challenge Cup holders will try tempt the 33-year-old to Perpignan.

Head coach Steve McNamara knows Sonny Bill from his time at the Sydney Roosters in 2014 when he was assistant coach of the Tri-Colours.

McNamara is reportedly working steadily behind the scenes with his staff and the Dragons’ board to put together an attractive offer to the All Blacks superstar for next year.

Catalans recently secured the services of highly-rated NRL prop Sam Kasiano, but the capture of Williams would undoubtedly be the biggest piece of business in the club’s history.

And although this may seem unlikely, the former Rooster could be attracted by the opportunity to play in a new competition and move to an area he is familiar with.

Sonny Bill played rugby union for the nearby Toulon between 2008 and 2010, making a number of lifelong friends in the South of France with a promise he would return one day.

Williams is expected to be named in the All Blacks World Cup squad later this year and is unsurprisingly attracting interest from all angles.

His current side, Super Rugby outfit Auckland Blues, are eager to keep him while Toulon themselves are also looking to resign their former star.

NRL sides Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters are also keeping tabs and are prepared to throw big money at the 12-time Kiwis international to bring him ‘home’.

Sonny Bill is said to be keeping all options open but should he move to the Dragons, it would be a massive boost for the club and Super League’s profile worldwide.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/sonny-bi ... ons-20406/