Wynne Gray: Sonny Bill to star but where will he play?

'It will be 29 blokes plus SBW for the end-of-year tour with the All Blacks'. Photo / Simon Baker

I'm with Khoder Nasser all the way. Couldn't quibble with the bloke - even if some of his methods, from a distance, seem a bit agricultural.

Nasser is the bloke who manages boxer Anthony Mundine and Sonny Bill Williams, the yet to get started Cantab in the ITM Cup.

There was his manager, talking recently through a range of his topics associated with his two main clients and predicting impending All Black status for SBW.

No worries, said Nasser, SBW would be picked for the All Blacks and would be a star.

I half agree at least. Star? Dunno, but it will be 29 blokes plus SBW for the end-of-year tour with the All Blacks.

Nothing will surprise unless the bloke is damaged.

Why else would the NZRU and All Black selectors go through all their ingratiation unless they thought SBW was of international calibre? That done, the investment will have to be used on the end-of-year tour.

Where he fits in will be another matter, probably more a case of who is injured or deemed to be better off resting back in New Zealand. Take your pick from these midfield contenders: Ma'a Nonu, Benson Stanley, Richard Kahui, Rene Ranger, Luke McAlister and Isaia Toeava.

Nonu is currently centrestage tonight in Melbourne at Etihad Stadium - a decade-old ground built to suit winter sporting codes.

The arena has a few issues with the surface and there are some suggesting it is time to move. If that is the solution Melbourne will act.

What a contrast to Auckland and the dithering about Eden Park and party central for next year's World Cup.

The upgrade at Eden Park is near finished and it will be a strong sporting arena - despite being the wrong shape and in the wrong place. It should have been given a makeover for the World Cup but nothing permanent while the city fathers decided on a new site downtown.

They only needed to look across the Ditch to see the merits of purpose-built modern sports arenas rather than hybrid makeovers.

The flawed decision to spruce up Eden Park is a dark blot for Auckland and the national sport. A temporary counterpoint will occur if the All Blacks manage to claim a certain trophy there next year.

Sorry Ted, I know, one game at a time. Apologies to you - but not Eden Park decision-makers.