Rugby: Aussies welcome SBW back with open arms

Sonny Bill Williams is expected to create sell-outs on his return to rugby league. Photo / Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams was once the most hated man in Australia. In an annual poll taken after the former All Black midfielder walked out on his contract with NRL club the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2008, Australians said they reviled him more than the Bali Bomber.

That hasn't stopped NRL clubs, pundits and fans rubbing their hands together after the double international footballer's decision to leave New Zealand rugby and return to league.

Sydney Morning Herald league writer Brad Walter says NRL clubs are lining up to cash in on the return of the star centre.

The Sydney Roosters are thought to be offering Williams an $800,000 contract to play next season - a bargain considering he is thought to be earning $1.2 million for 12 games in Japan.

That has prompted the Canterbury Bulldogs to seek a lucrative opening round grudge match against the Roosters, Walter says.

He says Williams is also expected to draw sell-out crowds if the Roosters play the Warriors in Auckland next year.

A poll accompanying the story shows 64 per cent of people think Williams will return to the NRL a better player than when he left.

The Brisbane Courier-Mail has another Kiwi-born rugby star Quade Cooper calling Williams' departure from rugby a "massive loss" for the game.

It will rob it of its best inside centre, Cooper told the paper.

However he was happy Williams had decided his future.

Fans have also leapt to Williams defence on Twitter, after an early outcry about his decision to leave New Zealand.

Alexrabina said: "I don't know about you haters, but if someone offered me a massive raise for the job I do, I'd take it. All the best."

Captain_RossT said: "The fact that SBW is the first pro sportsman to treat pro-sports clubs like they have been treating players for 30 years makes me laugh.

John Matheson said he loves Williams more than ever now.

"Turns out he's like the rest of us - he's afraid of commitment too."

Britain's The Daily Mail had another take on Williams walking away from the All Blacks.

"Few players in the 107-year history of the world's most successful rugby team have earned a jersey more easily or tossed it away more casually."