Sonny Bill Williams and Trent Robinson celebrate after the Roosters win the Grand Final. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says Sonny Bill Williams' decision to remain with the NRL premiers is a huge tribute to everyone connected with the club.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
The cross-code superstar ended sport's longest-running saga on Thursday night when he informed Roosters officials he'd decided to re-sign for another year.
A disappointed New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) broke the news on its Twitter feed on Friday that the 28-year-old had knocked back an offer to rejoin the Super Rugby champions Chiefs in 2014.
Robinson admitted he'd no idea if he would get the chance to work with Williams again after Sunday's grand final win over Manly.
But he said the decision to give the back-rower space and time to make his decision had been vindicated.
``It's a big thing for our club on and off the field,'' Robinson said.
``I wasn't sure until he told us last night. It was his decision and I've said all along I wasn't going to ask him. We'd let him come to his own decision.
``All we did was support him and now he has supported us. It's great for our game that he's still here.''
The Roosters said in a statement Williams would sign his new deal in mid February.
A return to the boxing ring is then on the cards in January before he links up with his teammates for pre-season training a month later.
Robinson said news that he would re-sign was proof the strong culture created by his players and coaching staff had struck a chord with Williams.
``I think he's really enjoyed this season. We've been successful and he's enjoyed being part of our group,'' he said.
``He's had a huge effect on our club.
``We have had a lot of guys this year that have been outstanding, none more so than Sonny and that was shown when he took out our player of the year award.
``He's quite unique in our game. There are not many like him.
``It's a great thing when someone re-signs. It makes you feel like you're on the right track.
``It's a good, strong message for our playing group and shows our guys like playing with each other.''
NRL chief executive Dave Smith was involved in the negotiation process with Williams, but said it was the Roosters that got the deal over the line and expressed his delight at his decision to play again in 2014.
``It's great for the fans, the Roosters and the competition,'' Smith said.
``Sonny had an outstanding year and I think he's really looking forward to the opportunity ahead. It certainly adds to the positive feeling around the World Cup and the 2014 season.''
Footage on Thursday of Williams having lunch with NZRU general manager Neil Sorensen and Chiefs coach Dave Rennie intensified speculation he was going back to rugby.
Sorensen admitted the news was a blow, but it seems likely he'll be back in the 15-man game in 2015 head of the Rugby Union World Cup.
``Disappointing but we put our best foot forward, and in the end Sonny made his decision, Sorensen said.''
``We obviously worked pretty hard to bring Sonny home, and we have had some really good conversations with him.
``As we do with many players who leave New Zealand, we will continue to keep the lines of communication open with him about his playing career.''
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Chalk up another victory to Robbo
Dengan url
http://ikhlasngeblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/chalk-up-another-victory-to-robbo.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Chalk up another victory to Robbo
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Chalk up another victory to Robbo
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar