Sonny Bill Williams has told close friends of his intention to shift to Sydney in a year, an Australian newspaper claims.
Parramatta and Sydney Roosters are in a head-to-head battle to snare Williams for the 2013 NRL season should he quit rugby after his one-season deal with Super 15 franchise Waikato ends next year.
The dual international has spent most of his free time in Sydney since last month's successful World Cup campaign with the All Blacks, and resumed personal training in the eastern suburbs last week.
A source close to Williams said the 26-year-old had been seeking advice about where to settle in Sydney, indicating his interest in an NRL return is genuine.
"Sonny has been asking a few mates about where he should live when he comes back to Sydney," the source told the Sunday Telegraph.