League: Sonny Bill keen on tri-nations

His coach might be worried about the exertions caused on players by another Tri-Nations campaign but injury-prone rugby league prodigy Sonny Bill Williams is all for an end-of-2006 season joust with the Kangaroos and Great Britain.

The Kiwis forward has backed the Tri-Nations series to be held in Australia and New Zealand next year after being "shattered" to miss out of New Zealand's stunning triumph in England last month.

While his National Rugby League (NRL) coach Steve Folkes has criticised the timing of the series, citing an unrealistic workload on players, Williams, who played only five games for the Bulldogs last season due to ankle and knee injuries, cannot wait.

"I watched the replay (Tri-Nations final between Australia and New Zealand) when I was in New Zealand and it was hard to get to sleep afterwards," Williams said.

"I was obviously happy for the boys but I was shattered. I wanted to be out there playing with them.

"Seeing the boys in a big circle jumping around afterwards was just good. It was good for New Zealand rugby league too and it just shows international football is where it should be."

Williams said he was desperate to help the Kiwis retain their title.

"Being a young fella, I love playing footy and being able to play for New Zealand is a plus," Williams told The Australian newspaper.

"If I play the whole season and get picked for the Tri-Nations I'll be loving it. I guess it's a bit different for all the boys that have kids and what not and want to spend some time with them."

Williams said it was vital New Zealand built on their momentum when they crossed paths with the Kangaroos in next year's Anzac test in May to prove the Tri-Nations result was no aberration.

"We've done that in the past, beaten the Aussies and then come out and they've flogged us, so it will be good next year come the Anzac test if we can put on a good performance and hopefully get the win," he said.

Meanwhile, Williams said he was hoping to start jogging during the club's end-of-year break and was on track to resume full training next month and play in the opening game of the season against Penrith in March.

- NZPA