League: Sonny Bill sits on English bid

Hot property: Several big Australian and English clubs have expressed an interest in Williams. Picture / Fotopress

Kiwis sensation Sonny Bill Williams has put a big offer from English Super League club St Helens on hold and told his agent to try to negotiate a suitable deal with the Bulldogs.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported yesterday Williams has made it clear that his preference is to stay with the National Rugby League premiers - provided they can come up with the right terms and conditions.

However, if the Bulldogs have not re-signed the second rower before the anti-tampering deadline of June 30, the 19-year-old will be inundated with offers from rival clubs in Australia and Britain.

"A number of English clubs have expressed interest and we have received a formal offer from St Helens," Williams' agent, Gavin Orr, said.

"It is a very good offer and something that Sonny may need to consider but at this stage he wants to exhaust all avenues with the Bulldogs and has put everything else on hold.

"If it comes to June 30 and we still haven't reached a deal, we will investigate all other options, both here and in England. "

The Sydney Morning Herald said a source close to St Helens confirmed a firm offer had been made to Williams but said the club was resigned to missing out on him.

Wigan have denied approaching the Bulldogs' prime asset as a replacement for Great Britain captain Andy Farrell - tipped to switch to rugby union - but there is speculation that Leeds will weigh in with a big offer.

Leeds, who are expected to finalise a new deal with British star Danny McGuire, are cashed up after record season-ticket sales and the 15 million ($39.5 million) sale of Headingley cricket centre.

Speculation about the pairing of McGuire and Williams follows their standout performances in the recent World Club Challenge between Leeds and the Bulldogs, which the Rhinos won 39-32.

Meanwhile, the Williams' shoulder charges that inspired the Bulldogs when they trailed 26-6 may become a rarer sight in the NRL, following the revelation that Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has advised the forward to be more selective.

A Bulldogs official said the club's coaches had been working with Williams since he returned from England with the Kiwis' Tri-Nations team in December to refine his technique to reduce the risk of injury.

"No one wants to stop him from doing shoulder charges. They're more concerned about him executing them right," Bulldogs spokesman Chris O'Brien said.

- NZPA