Sonny Bill Williams made an immediate impact upon his return to the NRL, but has been ruled out of a return to test football because of injury. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Sonny Bill Williams has been ruled out of next Friday's Anzac test against Australia in Canberra because of a knee injury.
A statement from the Kiwis this morning said Williams aggravated a problem with his right knee during the Sydney Roosters' big win over the Canterbury Bulldogs on Friday and
had received an injection which means he won't be able to train or play for at least seven days.
The Kiwis said the Roosters' medical staff had discussed the problem with the New Zealand medical team headed by Dr Simon Mayhew.
Williams was looking to play his first rugby league international since 2008. He returned to the NRL this year after winning the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks in 2011, and the Super Rugby championship last year with the Chiefs.
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney is also sweating on Jeremy Smith's availability, after he was put on report in Newcastle's win over Penrith.
