SONNY Bill Williams is likely to be a Toronto Wolfpack player by Thursday.
SunSport understands the dual-code New Zealand star has agreed the richest deal in the history of either rugby code, worth almost £5.5 million over two years, in principle.
Wolfpack sources say the fine print is currently being worked out but they expect the 34-year-old to sign for the Super League new boys later this week.
Williams may even be able to play for a different country, even though he has represented New Zealand in both codes.
Rugby League’s eligibility rules mean he could play for Samoa, where his father comes from, as they are a tier two nation and tier one players – who play for Australia, New Zealand or England – can also appear for a tier two one.
Williams, part of the All Blacks’ World Cup squad, is also subject to interest from big-spending French and Japanese RU clubs.
But after also being offered a stake in the Canadian side, Toronto looks like his next destination.
Meanwhile, England still hope to play a mid-season Test in 2020, even though Super League’s fixture list has left no gap.
Sources say a match is being lined up for Saturday, June 20 or Sunday, June 21 – when the NRL takes a break for the second State of Origin clash.
And insiders say Super League has been made aware by the Rugby Football League of England’s intention to play.
That means sides will be without any players called up – with a maximum of three likely to be stipulated – for league matches if the game, likely to be played down under, is arranged.
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