July 26, 2008

THERE are reports that Bulldogs star Sonny Bill Williams has walked out on the NRL club and is set for a big-money switch to rugby union.

Williams was named in the Bulldogs team to face St George-Illawarra on Monday night, but is believed to have left the country to sign with French rugby union side Toulon, the team coached by retired New Zealand rugby captain Tana Umaga.

Fox Sports commentators, Warren Smith and Greg Alexander, broke the news live on air prior to the Canberra-Gold Coast game.

Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg told ABC radio that Williams' manager Khoder Nasser had confirmed the star player's sudden departure.

"I've just got off the phone to Sonny's manager Khoder Nasser and he has confirmed to me that Sonny has left the country," Greenberg said.

"Quite simply, if Sonny intends to play overseas, we'll be looking to take out an injunction which will effectively stop him playing in France, England or anywhere else he intends to do it."

Asked whether the issue was likely to end up in the courts, Greenberg said: "I suggest at this early stage that you are probably right but we are going to have to review all our options to make sure that the Bulldogs are well covered."

Channel Nine reported that Williams walked out on his five-year deal with the Bulldogs to fly to France where he is to sign a deal with second division rugby union club Toulon - where former Australia rugby captain George Gregan has been playing.

The deal is reportedly worth $3 million over two years.

Williams had been signed to the Bulldogs until 2012 for an estimated $450,000 a year.

But the New Zealand international had been at loggerheads with the club for sometime, claiming he was worth more money.

He was also upset with what he perceived as excessive media scrutiny into his private life and at the urging of the club having to admit he had problems with alcohol last year.

His departure comes after St George Illawarra centre Mark Gasnier also signed a deal with Stade Francais worth an estimated $2 million over two years.

NRL Chief Executive, David Gallop, echoed Greenberg's disappointment in Williams's decision.

“It is unacceptable to walk out on a contract," he said.

"If Sonny Bill Williams has personal issues we will be happy to discuss them with him but we will support the Bulldogs in enforcing their contract and that includes preventing him from playing other than under that contract.

“Certainly the club, his teammates and the fans are entitled to some explanation for what has happened.”