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THE NRL is losing much more than just a footy player at the end of the season. They've lost a universal brand.
On Monday Sonny Bill Williams became the first player in rugby league history to be signed by adidas on a global ambassador deal, joining the likes of international superstars David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Andy Murray and NBA star Derrick Rose, who are all on multi-million dollar deals with the sportswear giants.
Sonny Bill Williams poses for a portrait after Adidas announced he has become one of their global ambassadors. Source: News Limited
While the above are all genuine one-sport superstars, it was SBW's incredible all-round talent with two NRL premierships, a rugby union World Cup, a Super Rugby title and an undefeated six-fight boxing career that attracted the marketing gurus of adidas.
While his agent Khoder Nasser would not comment on the financial details, it is believed the richest contract ever offered to an Australian-based footballer from any code.
Only the likes of Olympic gold medallists Ian Thorpe and Sally Pearson have had international sponsorship with adidas.
Sonny Bill Williams of the Roosters runs the ball. Source: Getty Images
Q: How does it feel to be recognised internationally, not just in the NRL?
A: It's awesome actually and it's a privilege to be signed up with the other guys who are with adidas.
The fact it's a global contract is massive for me. They've got some really big names in world sport.
The most humbling part is that it's just not an endorsement deal where you just pick up free gear. It's special.
Sonny Bill Williams and wife Alana Raffie at the Sydney International airport. Source: News Corp Australia
Q: Okay Sonny, I've got to ask you about my recent Sunday Tele story on your secret marriage. Why the secret — you could have got a lot of money if you'd gone to a magazine at the time.
A: To be honest when it comes to my private life with my family, I always try to keep it private because every other aspect of my life is so out there in the media.
One thing I will say is whatever I try to do in my personal life I try to do it for myself religiously right. The halal way, in Islam, which means the right way. That's all I'll say. In regards to being married, that's something I'll keep to myself.
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Q: With respect, there are rumours around that your wife is pregnant.
A: I think I've just answered that question.
Sonny Bill Williams poses for a portrait after Adidas announced he has become one of their global ambassadors. Source: News Limited
Q: Fair enough. You're going back to rugby union. What do you think of Benji coming back to NRL and not making it in rugby.
A: When he went to rugby union I thought it was going to be tough for him when I heard he was going try to play No.10 (five-eighth).
It's a lot tougher transition to make than being an outside back. A finisher is naturally born for the position. You try to beat a couple of blokes and score. Being a decisive player in the team where you have to make quick calls, and step up, lead the team around, that's hard.
It was sad to see him come back and not go as well as he hoped. Hopefully he gets an NRL team soon and we get to play against him.
Roosters star Sonny Bill Williams during the 2014 Anzac Cup. Source: News Corp Australia
Q: What about a hybrid game — who'd win out of the Kangaroos v All Blacks.
A: It would be interesting. I'd be watching it, that's for sure. It's tough bro. Just because the two games are played on the same field, they are totally different games.
That's why it's very hard to make the transition to rugby if you're going to the forwards or a play-making role like I mentioned with Benji.
Q: Would you have stayed in NRL if you could have played Origin.
A: I'm not too sure. I would love to have played. As you get older and see how big the game is, it's the pinnacle of rugby league.
You just want to be involved in the really big games. And Origin is the biggest game of all.
Sonny Bill Williams walks out for warm up at the Sydney Roosters training session. Source: News Corp Australia
Q: Would you come back to NRL after rugby union.
A: I'm not too sure if anyone would have me (laugh) I might be a bit too old.
It's going to be hard to leave. It's tough. When I came back last year I still felt I was a rugby union player. Now I feel like I've fallen in love with rugby league again.
Q: Well, why are you leaving. Was it all about money.
A: A lot of people tried to play that card about the money. For me it's about putting myself in situations where I want to challenge myself. I'm 28 now and I'd only like to play into my early 30's. I want to be able to run around with my kids.
I've had a successful career but I won't be a player who just hangs around.
Sonny Bill Williams passes the ball during a Sydney Roosters training session. Source: Getty Images
Q: Are elite players looked after well enough in NRL. I'm talking, Inglis, Thurston, Smith, Slater and yourself.
A: It's a tough one. Rugby league players probably aren't on as much as AFL players. The way rugby league is these days, the boys are so big and so physical, it takes a toll on your body.
It's tough because you've got the average players and they deserve their share. They've got families and commitments too.
Q: Is there one player in the NRL you really admire, respect or fear.
A: You play teams with strong forward packs every week. There's always a little bit of fear. The fear brings out the best in you. They're all great players. I couldn't single out just one.
In fact I love playing against the young guys coming up. They've had a few good games and they want to test themselves against you. I remember when I was young and what it meant to me. I love watching Souths and Manly play. They're tough clubs.
Sonny Bill Williams catches the ball during a Sydney Roosters training session. Source: Getty Images
Q: Okay, onto the Roosters. You guys don't seem as dominant this year.
A: I don't think any team looks as dominant as last year. We had a tough pre-season with so many players coming back after the World Cup.
We've won four and lost four. The games we have lost we haven't lost by too much. No-one has beaten us by 30. We're definitely not where we want to be but we're on the right path.
Q: And your own form. Like the team, you don't appear to be as dominant.
A: Definitely. It's about finding your groove in the team structure. My coaches are happy with my one percenters. That's what I base my game on.
I play to get the respect out of the boys. I thrive on challenges. If everything's going to plan, I seem to relax a bit. At this stage with our backs against the wall, that's the way I like it.
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