Sonny Bill Williams is the biggest signing in Super League history – reaction

James Gordon

Super League chief executive has led the superlatives thrown at Sonny Bill Williams following the announcement of his record-breaking move to Toronto Wolfpack.

Williams, 34, is being dubbed as the biggest signing in the competition’s history, ahead of its 25th year in 2020.

Elstone said: “He is the biggest signing in Super League history. But even more than that, if you could choose anybody to make that impact, Sonny Bill would be it. He’s such an iconic player who transcends both codes of rugby.”

Toronto chairman Bob Hunter has compared Williams to basketball player LeBron James and David Beckham, with hopes that he can have as big of an impact on rugby league as Beckham did on MLS.

He said: “The excitement he will bring to the sport of rugby league in this country will be incredible.

”Having someone of his talent join the Wolfpack will greatly raise the profile of the club and also help move the game forward globally.

“Sonny is a phenomenal athlete and we believe he is rugby’s LeBron James and his addition to our league is comparable to when David Beckham joined LA Galaxy.”

Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott, who travelled to Japan for face-to-face talks with Williams during the Rugby World Cup, hailed Williams as one of the biggest sports stars in the world.

McDermott said: “We have signed one of the highest profile rugby players, if not sports stars in the world.

“He will enhance the global game of rugby by being in Toronto and certainly push the brand of the Wolfpack onto another level.

“The main point of excitement for our club is that we are signing a great rugby league player who has the hunger to be successful in Super League, much as he was in the NRL and rugby union.”

Sky Sports presenter Brian Carney says only Andrew Johns come anywhere near Williams in terms of signings in Super League.

Super League Bob Hunter