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SYDNEY - The mystery around Kiwis league star Sonny Bill Williams' shock departure to France continued last night when his manager refused to explain why he had left so suddenly.
Khoder Nasser, also manager of controversial boxer Anthony Mundine, said he was no longer acting for Williams and
said his former charge would explain "in time" why he hadn't told his Bulldogs club or teammates anything.
Nasser contacted Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg on Saturday to say Williams had left the country, but wouldn't say where he was going or if he'd joined French rugby club Toulon as was reported.
"I'd like to make this point strongly, I'm not authorised at any stage to speak on behalf of Sonny Bill Williams," Nasser told Channel Nine.
"Speaking as a friend of his, what he's done is done and we won't know until we hear from him.
"There's a lot of things running through his mind and he must have obviously thought that was the best thing to do at the time."
Reports said Williams flew out on Saturday accompanied by Nasser's brother.
Williams split with his former manager Gavin Orr in March and linked with Nasser and the Mundine camp.
Soon afterwards, Williams went public with his desire to switch to rugby, and possibly sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
Nasser, in Newcastle with Mundine preparing for his next bout on Wednesday, said Mundine had spoken to Williams since his departure.
"He said the only regret that Sonny had was he couldn't tell the fans and all the young kids that really look up to him the reasons why he did what he did, but in time he'll be able to do that."
SONNY BILL WILLIAMS CONTRACT TIMELINE
March 2007 - Ends protracted negotiations by signing five-year deal with Bulldogs which is due to expire after the 2012 NRL season.
April 2007 - Involved in infamous toilet cubicle tryst with ironwoman Candice Falzon which is captured by another patron at the Clovelly Hotel.
June 2007 - Caught and fined by police for urinating on a wall in side street near a Cronulla nightclub. Admits to an alcohol problem.
March 2008 - Reportedly dumps long-time manager Gavin Orr to link up with Khoder Nasser.
March 2008 - Reveals he has lost respect for former teammate Willie Mason after Mason's decision to quit the Bulldogs to join the Sydney Roosters. Williams claims Mason's talk of loyalty had been a big factor in his decision to re-sign with the club the previous year.
May 1 2008 - Says he would seriously contemplate switching to rugby union and chase dual international status if the All Blacks offered him enough money.
May 18 2008 - Reportedly seeks a release from the Bulldogs, but the NRL club says he will be expected to see out the remaining years of his contract.
June 2008 - First sign of reports linking him with a move to Toulon, where former All Black Tana Umaga is the coach.
June 2008 - Khoder Nasser meets with Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg, accompanied by not Williams, but two boxers in his stable, Anthony Mundine and Soloman Haumono. The next day Williams declares he is happy to remain at the club.
July 26 2008 - Williams reportedly flees the country headed for France to take up a two-year deal worth an estimated $3 million to switch codes and play rugby union for Toulon in the French first division.
- NZPA