Sonny Bill Williams back for Bulldogs bout

Sydney second-rower Sonny Bill Williams returns to NRL action this Friday when the Roosters take on his former club Canterbury Bulldogs.

The New Zealand dual-code international has served a three-match suspension for a shoulder charge on South Sydney’s England prop George Burgess in the first match of the season.

“I think it was a bit of frustration with the way the game went, we didn’t play so well,” he said.

“We said at halftime no penalties from the kick off and I just had the red mist and those kind of things happen. I am just happy it happened at the start of the season. I have been training hard and ready now to get out there and play.”

Whether he slots straight into the side remains to be seen, though, as the Roosters have won every match of Williams’ ban and Mitch Aubusson, deputising for him, has been most impressive.

“With Mitch Aubusson in there and doing so well [in his vacant number 12 jersey] I have to get back in and cement my spot.

“The good thing about the Roosters is that it doesn’t matter who you are, you have to play well to keep your spot.”

Want more Rugby League news and features? Subscribe to the online version of League Express newspaper and Rugby League World magazine. You can also connect with Total Rugby League on the social media platform of your choice.