League: Sonny Bill's fitness fight coming on nice 'n' easy

SYDNEY - Superstar-in-waiting Sonny Bill Williams has for once been taking a measured approach in the Bulldogs gym as he prays for an injury-free National Rugby League (NRL) season.

The apparatus inside the Belmore Sports Gym has copped a well-regulated pounding over the Christmas-New Year break as Williams strengthens his right knee - the latest injury to stall the 20-year-old's burgeoning career.

In two seasons the Kiwis second-rower has managed only 20 first-grade games, with ankle and knee problems limiting him to just five in 2005 as the Bulldogs relinquished their premiership title with a whimper.

Williams admits he has been his own worst enemy when injuries have struck, his love of the game so strong he has tried to ignore the pain and push on.

Last year he injured his knee against Souths in round 13, less than five minutes into his comeback from an ankle problem.

He then aggravated the problem by pushing himself too hard on the training paddock, prematurely ending his season and forcing him to miss the Kiwis' Tri-Nations victory.

Those days are over now as his rehabilitation is closely scrutinised by Bulldogs staff, including coach and mentor Steve Folkes.

"When I hurt it against Souths I came back too early and I felt it when I was running," Williams told the Weekend Australian.

"I was being a hardhead and saying, 'I'll be right, I'll be right'. When I had scans it was buggered again. This time if it feels uncomfortable I tell the trainers or physio straight away.

"[Now] it's feeling good. I can't feel it at all."

Williams is targeting a return in the pre-season trials, although he is more likely to be back for the club's round one NRL match against Penrith in early March.

- NZPA