League: Williams rebuffs rugby, stays with NRL

SYDNEY - National Rugby League (NRL) star Sonny Bill Williams has knocked back the All Blacks in deciding to stay with the Canterbury Bulldogs for a further two years.

The Bulldogs are expected to announce today a two-year A$800,000 ($868,300) deal which will keep Williams with the NRL champions.

It was revealed today that Williams' managers had discussions with the New Zealand Rugby Union about a possible switch in codes two weeks ago.

NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said the All Blacks had expressed interest in Williams, but denied making the initial approach.

"Sonny Bill Williams is obviously a talent and we thought it would be appropriate just to check and see if there was any interest or not," Tew was quoted by the Telegraph as saying.

"Sonny Bill does not need to build up his value, does he?

"If he was making a money decision he probably would be playing rugby league in the United Kingdom now.

"The initial approach came from someone in the Sonny Bill camp to one of our coaches.

"I think they were just generally checking options and he was at the stage of his career where he wants to think things through.

"Often things can change from the first call before you make the second call."

Tew said NZRU player contracts manager Steve Lancaster contacted Pacific Sports Management, who look after Williams, a fortnight ago following initial discussions but was told that the Bulldogs star was not interested.

Williams said he wanted to show loyalty to the Bulldogs.

"The club gave me a go from a young age," Williams said.

"That's the whole reason why I'm staying put here for another two years.

"I'm happy and I wanted to repay the club.

"I'm not interested in playing rugby union at this stage of my career."

Williams is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and is not expected to play for two months. He has been cleared of the mumps after contracting the virus earlier this month.

- NZPA