Sonny Bill Williams set to become highest paid player ever as Toronto move nears
Sonny Bill Williams’ move to Toronto Wolfpack is on the verge of being completed and he is set to be a Super League player in 2020.
Williams, 34, is a two-time Rugby (union) World Cup winner and won the NRL with both Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs.
Reports starting Down Under say the back-rower has agreed a two-year deal with the Wolfpack, worth around £2.7m per year, making him the highest paid player ever in either code.
My understanding is that SBW and Wolfpack haven’t yet finalised the deal but he has told the club he will join them and an announcement is expected within the next week. It’s a massive coup for Wolfpack, Super League and the game in North America@NRLcomhttps://t.co/QYVfHCJMAD
— Brad Walter (@BradWalterSport) November 5, 2019
The marquee player rule means that only the first £150,000 of that will count towards the salary cap, a move that is sure to turn heads throughout the rugby world.
According to PA, Williams will be unveiled as a Toronto player at an event at Canada House in London next week.
As part of the deal, Williams will take a stake in the club ahead of their move onto the stock market.
#BREAKING: @Danny_Weidler reveals two MASSIVE Rugby League stories.
Sonny-Bill Williams is heading BACK to Rugby League; and the @sydneyroosters have WITHDRAWN their offer to Latrell Mitchell. #9News pic.twitter.com/ytGDC3ssxj
— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) November 5, 2019
Toronto will open their Super League campaign against Castleford as part of a historic double header at Headingley.
They secured promotion to the top flight in time for only their fourth season in existence, beating Featherstone in the Championship Grand Final last month.
Williams is their first new signing since securing their Super League place.