Ex-league rugby star Sonny Bill roots for Warriors

Cross-code rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has admitted he will make a beeline for the television to watch the New Zealand Warriors in Sunday's NRL final after playing for the All Blacks against Canada. Williams turned out for Canterbury Bulldogs in five seasons of NRL action, accruing seven New Zealand league caps along the way, before joining French Top 14 club Toulon in 2008 and returning to club rugby in his homeland two years later. "Hopefully the boys can get up," he said of the Warriors, who play Manly Sea Eagles in Sunday's final. "It was really exciting last week," he said of the Warriors' shock semi-final win over Melbourne Storm, directly after the All Blacks had beaten France 37-17. "We were all in the sheds and the French boys came in after and didn't know what we were screaming about. We had the telly on straight away. "The Warriors shocked a few people last week how well they played. "Their forwards are playing unbelievable at the moment, just smacking them, great defence. "Hopefully I'll get off the pitch straight away, and chuck that telly on so I can watch not just the Warriors but the juniors as well." Williams was adamant, however, that there was no jealousy or pining to be playing the game he grew up with. "Never jealous, bro, just happy for them," the 26-year-old said. "It's a massive occasion for them, and they'll be pretty excited. Hopefully they'll come away with the goods. "Coming across from league to rugby, I've noticed how big rugby is on a world stage, on a world scale. League's just big in New Zealand and Australia. Obviously rugby is a much bigger game, but when you're involved in something like the NRL final it's massive." Williams, whose smart offloads and running lines have been one of the standouts of the tournament, will start at centre against Canada on Sunday, admitting that he was pleased with the way his World Cup had gone. "I'm excited to be here and happy to be given another chance," he said. I started against Tonga and now Canada. "I've just got to take my opportunities. I've always got belief in my abilities and I've been happy with the way I've played, so I've just got to continue that form and play well so the coaches have to pick me." Williams' versatility has been key to his success, the league second-rower being utilised on the wing as well as centre. "You've got to do your homework. It's been tough, but a good tough, it's a step out of my comfort zone," he said of being picked in different positions. "I've adapted pretty well and it's good to know I can cover the wing so I can put my hand up for that role as well. "I'm just trying to improve every week," he said, adding that any old league habits had now died. "A couple of times when I first started, I got up from tackle and ran back 10 metres but that's probably about it. It's pretty instinctive these days."