A Canadian rugby league club is preparing a bold play to lure cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams back to the 13-a-side game.
The Wolfpack, who play in the UK Championship, are understood to have made an offer to secure Williams’ services after meeting with the player’s agent, Khoder Nasser, in the Middle East last year.
Sources suggest the ambitious Canadian side will have to table around $5 million (£3m) – part of which would be exempt under marquee player rules in the British game – to bring Williams back to
And Toronto’s owner David Argyle confirmed to foxsports.com.au that they were hopeful of bringing him to Canada on a one-year deal.
“We are working towards making Sonny Bill Williams a Wolfpack player for 2020. We would love to have him join the Wolfpack family and we will pay whatever it takes to make that happen,” Argyle said.
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“The excitement he would bring to the sport of rugby league in this country would be incredible.
“Having someone of his talent join the Wolfpack would greatly raise the profile of the club, but also help move the game forward globally.
“Sonny is a phenomenal athlete. He is rugby’s LeBron James and we see his recruitment as bigger than when David Beckham joined LA Galaxy. He is box office and puts bums on seats.
“It may be one of his last seasons and I am sure that rugby fans – whether league or union – across North America will travel to Toronto to see a player of his quality represent the Wolfpack.”