Chiefs

ruckingkiwi says...

Kiwiingermany, not everyone sees their legacy in the black jersey and I'm not sure why people like yourself feel Sonny should adhere to this "tradition" thing, bit rich when I assume you're living abroad making the most of your opportunities?

Having returned to NZ for the World Cup and beyond, it was clear to see the positive contribution Sonny had made on rugby, rugby is an oversaturated market and is stale here but people were interested in watching to see what he might do, the NZRU didn't underestimate the influence he had on the public here, just a pity they couldnt afford him. Even old mates who'd played for years, including professional, had an eye on the TV again, actually I dont know anyone involved in rugby at any level who didn't rate the guy, seems it's just the couch critics who have a negative opinion.

Posted 20:29 10th July 2012

Kiwiingermany says...

@ Euskadi, how stupid can one be? New Zealand and All Black rugby are something special in the world of sport. Carter and McCaw AND many others have recognised that and have made their contribution to well over a hundred years of tradition. Williams never has and never will. He did nothing for New Zealand or All Black rugby. Just filled the papers because those who write like any sort of sensation they can find. The honest worker gets less attention. I say: goodbye and good riddance. We have better second five eigths and better centres. I hope the papers will talk more about them in the future-

Posted 11:43 10th July 2012

trianglechoke says...

Maybe the Allbalcks can learn from the americans regarding superstars. You must pay your players well so that they never leave and hold them to a contract.

Posted 06:44 10th July 2012

LeftRightOut says...

"If I ever came back to NZ rugby I'd definitely come back to the Chiefs. Even if there was no money here I'd come back for free"

HAHAHAHA - I reckon he will come back to NZ before 2015 RWC but would love to see what he did if Chiefs offered him no money. I can't fault him on the decision to leave and it comes to no one as a surpise, but he obviously seeks money and glory so why not just be honest about it?? I would have more respect for him if he said something like "I want to reach the top of several sports and get rich while I can - I will be back for the RWC and looking forward to working for whoever can pay enough for my grandkids to not have to work" - seriously, I would respect that more than saying its about enjoyment and loyalty and not about money.

Posted 00:06 10th July 2012

Euskadi says...

I dont think this man has put a foot wrong. People going on about him being just about the money need a reality check. He said it himself if it was all about the money then he'd have stayed in Toulon

I really admire the path he has chosen since his off field hiccups in the NRL and the manner in which he left the Dogs. Having said that I think he realised too late that he'd signed a bogus deal with the Dogs. Sure he got done for DUI, the Dogs left him out to dry, fed him a script to spiel off to the media and got on with making their money off his talent. Some sound advice from his management team opened this (then) naive mans eyes to his real value and potential and now he is using that to his advantage

OK so he walked out on the Dogs, what was his other choice? Play the next five years there and lose not only his best earning years playing in a limited exposure sport or walk out, earn better money, travel the world, experience other cultures and lifestyles, meet new people, take up another sport, play ITM cup, play Super Rugby, become an All Black, win a World Cup, become NZs heavy weight boxing champ, with the potential this year to add a Super Rugby trophy to that. Now he's off to live in Japan, earn ridiculous (by rugby standards) money, experience a new culture and then return to league to light that sport up

Comparisons to Carter, McCaw etc about commitment to NZ rugby etc are short sighted, for all of their international sporting talent thats all they have...rugby talent, neither could play league for the Kiwis and I doubt they could KO a heavy weight boxer either. Carter and McCaw top up their coffers in more conventional ways but are in it for the money as well, sabaticals, marketing and promotions its a different means to the same financial ends, SBW does it noisier and with greater outcomes

Go well SBW by all accounts you're a great guy, come back soon

Posted 22:50 09th July 2012

leinsterblue says...

good luck to him...personally, I would like to see him be a success at a single code - be that league or union...danger is that he will be remembered as a high profile player who bounced between codes as opposed for his contribution on the pitch...

Posted 17:28 09th July 2012

philipjfry says...

I'm sad to see him go but remember the main reason he converted to Union was because of the fall-out he had with the Bulldogs in 2008. The subsequent move to Toulon was probably for the money, but also because no NRL team would touch him at that stage. So really, Union only borrowed him for a while. Maybe his hart always stayed with League.

Posted 13:54 09th July 2012

Letsgoboks says...

I don't know if it's the media's doing, but this guy has come across as a real chop. Either way next season it'll be Sonny Bill Who...

Posted 12:46 09th July 2012

Fitzy says...

This guy just chases the dollars.There's nothing wrong with that but I would much prefer he was just honest about it

Posted 12:27 09th July 2012

Dingbat32 says...

I hope the Roosters dont think he will actually turn up?

Posted 11:36 09th July 2012