Sonny Bill Williams will entice rugby union fans in to rugby league, says James Maloney
Toronto’s coup of Sonny Bill Williams will attract rugby union fans to watch rugby league, according to his former team-mate James Maloney.
Williams has joined the Wolfpack on a two-year contract which is believed to be worth around £5.7million.
Maloney, who played with Williams for two years at Sydney Roosters between 2013-14, believes his old mate will put bums on seats in Super League this season.
He said: “With it being so rugby union dominated in Europe, to have someone with someone with such a standing in rugby union playing rugby league is great.
“There will be rugby union fans that will come to watch him play at different venues just out of curiosity and that just brings new fans to the game and I think that is awesome.
“I’m really looking forward to playing against him. I’ve played with him for a couple of years and I’m excited about the opportunity to line up against him, that’s really exciting.
“I know there is quite a few really good footballers amongst the English boys as well so hopefully it is a really strong year and everyone keeps telling me there is a lot of excitement about the year ahead so hopefully it lives up to the excitement.”
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