Sonny Bill Williams now looks set to skip the Auckland Nines, only hours after speculation to the contrary.
The fledgling tournament appeared to have been granted a huge boost by securing Williams' services, but his manager has now said the code-hopper will not join his Sydney Roosters teammates next month at Eden Park.
Khoder Nasser told TVNZ his client would skip the two-day tournament in favour of preparing for the Roosters' clash with Super League champions Wigan at Allianz Stadium the weekend after the event.
The news means Williams will not play alongside league great Brad Fittler, who last week announced he was coming out of retirement to compete in the inaugural edition of the Nines.
