KEY POINTS:
I'm glad the contract dispute has finally been resolved between the Bulldogs and Sonny Bill Williams. Not that Williams had many options available to him in how he was going to make headway in whatever he was in dispute over.
To be honest, I do not think anyone
knew what he was seeking to address. He suggested that money could have a part in any decision he would make about his future, whether it be in rugby league or rugby union. There was a hypothetical interest in playing for the All Blacks.
Was he really serious about a transition to union? I'm not sure if he knew what he was going to be getting himself into but, more importantly, what position was he ever going to play? There was a suggestion he could play as a centre or even loose forward. With my current involvement with rugby union, I can honestly say that in my view Williams would never make it as a forward in union.
I know what rugby league people think of union and it is not complimentary but I am telling you there is knowledge of the principles of the game that you do not get from reading the rule book. There are intricacies that take time to master and because you have skills in one sport, it does not follow that you will necessarily do well in the other.
There is no doubt that Williams has talent to contribute greatly to whatever he turns his hand to but it would be sad to see him embarrass himself trying to be a Richie McCaw.
Williams has the respect of a lot of people and that is what he ran the risk of losing if his decision was to leave. To stay with his club and see out his contract saved him from losing that respect. His honour was at stake and people's belief in him was on the line.
Despite the amount of money he stood to make doing something else, he needed to show his commitment and honour his contract. His many fans - both rugby league and general sports fans - would have frowned on a decision that saw him turn his back on a five-year contract while only one year into it. It could have been a turning point in his career had he decided to seek an early release.
Whatever his issues were with his club, he just had to sort them out internally and without the public scrutiny. The statement from the club that they will seek to assist him in securing third-party endorsements highlights the fact money was a major factor.
Should someone who is reportedly earning A$400,000 a year and one year into a five-year deal, be allowed the luxury of sparking a public debate to seek more money?
With the many opportunities he has taken to paint himself as the victim, he was struggling to have the public feel sorry for him.
Now he may get that response but he should also be aware that some may now see him differently.