SBW set to play at Auckland Nines

[fletch]

Sydney Roosters superstar Sonny Bill Williams is set to play in the NRL Auckland Nines next month, in a huge boost to the fledgling tournament.

Just five days after rugby league great Brad Fittler announced he was coming out of retirement to compete in the inaugural edition of the two-day event, the former Kangaroos skipper said he was anticipating lining up beside dual international Williams.

The inclusion of Williams in the Roosters' side for the Nines would dramatically increase the tournament's profile given the former Rugby World Cup winner's global profile.

In an interview with the Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday Fittler, 41, said he would be looking to Williams to compensate for his own defensive frailties.

"He'll be defending on my side," Fittler said.

"And I've lined up a young kid Dylan Napa for the other side ... run at me at your own peril."

With Williams eyeing off a spot in the New Zealand side at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where rugby union sevens will make its Games debut, the nine-a-side rugby league tournament could provide valuable experience for the two-time NRL premiership winner.

Williams' inclusion would also indicate the Roosters' serious intention to add the Nines trophy to their 2013 NRL premiership and possibly the World Club Challenge trophy.

The match against Super League champions Wigan will be played at Allianz Stadium the weekend after the Auckland Nines.

Fittler's return from retirement has already increased interest in the tournament to be held at Eden Park on February 15 and 16.

The former Roosters skipper is expecting a tough time upon his return to rugby league.

"I'm expecting to get hurt, it's just the level of hurt," Fittler said.

Williams will return to Roosters training on Monday with the majority of the club's World Cup stars.

[fletch]

must be some news around about the Roosters treating the nines remotely seriously, we are now into $13 to win the tournament from being rank outsiders.

maybe the rumours are true about us not having any trials before the WCC are true and Robbo will use the 9's to run the rust out of a few top liners.

[Guest]

If SBW is fit I would play him so I hope he does participate maybe not in every game but certainly in most.

About this time last year he was preparing for a heavy weight boxing match so I don't think the 9's will be to much for him.

[Guest]

SBW and Freddy Fittler running off each other and putting each other into gaps will be great for the Roosters. Hope the young players get as much out of it as the fans, and some of their magic rubs off for years to come.

[The Rooster Oracle]

must be some news around about the Roosters treating the nines remotely seriously, we are now into $13 to win the tournament from being rank outsiders.

maybe the rumours are true about us not having any trials before the WCC are true and Robbo will use the 9's to run the rust out of a few top liners.

That seems to be it Fletch, because we have no other trials before the WCC then Robbo is going to treat the 9's as our trial. A good idea from Robbo, the 9's will work out a good way to gain your timing with catching and passing, while doing a little bit of tackling. Nowhere near the amount of physicality that a normal game of footy would have which is a good thing after such a long grueling year last year.

With this in mind the Roosters will be a great chance of winning the tournament! Freddy and SBW in the same side is the most mouth watering prospect you can possibly get! Can't wait for that!!

It will have the players as fresh as possible going into the WCC, and then the WCC will serve as the perfect lead into round 1 against the vermin.

[Muffdaddy]

I heard the interview on the BSB yesterday and the quote from Freddy about SBW was taken out of context.
They were asking him about tackling and he just said laughingly "I'll have Sonny Bill on one side and Dylan Napa on the other. Run at me at your peril" something along those lines. He didn't confirm that Sonny was playing at all.
It would be good if SBW does play but I havent seen anything official yet.

[Guest]

Brad Fittler's anticipation of having Sonny Bill Williams alongside him for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL Auckland Nines appears forlorn.

Williams' manager Khoder Nasser has told TVNZ that the dual international won't be lining up in the two-day tournament next month.

Nasser was commenting on Wednesday after former Kangaroos skipper Fittler, making a comeback at the age of 41, told Sky's Big Sports Breakfast he would be looking to Williams to compensate for his own defensive frailties.

"He'll be defending on my side," Fittler said.

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With Williams eyeing off a spot in the New Zealand side at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where rugby union sevens will make its Games debut, the nine-a-side rugby league tournament was seen as an opportunity to provide valuable experience for the two-time NRL premiership winner.