Rugby League: Sonny Bill Williams reveals he may have been forced to retire from the sport in 2011

Oval ball superstar Sonny Bill Williams has revealed that he was almost forced to retire from the sport 10 years ago due to a mysterious medical problem.

The former All Black is set to make his first NRL appearance since 2014 tonight for the Sydney Roosters and told The Daily Telegraph before the game how grateful he was to have the opportunity; since he could easily have left the sport a long time ago.

“10 years ago a great orthopedic surgeon told me that ‘I can take you to the 2011 World Cup, but beyond that, only God knows.’

Williams was only 25 at the time, at the end of his first attempt at playing rugby union in France and had just signed with New Zealand Rugby to begin his quest to play for the All Blacks. In other words, there were still many chapters to develop in his historic career.

After his surgeon told him this potentially devastating news, Williams won two Rugby World Cups with the All Blacks, a Super Rugby title with the Chiefs in 2012, a first-place finish in the NRL with the Roosters in 2013, an appearance in Rio 2016. Olympics as well as being crowned New Zealand’s heavyweight boxing title in 2012.

While Williams did not reveal the exact nature of the injury, he says it has been a constant reminder of his privileged position in the sport; a sentiment evident in his answer when asked why he keeps putting his body on the line.

“The adventure, the experience, the emotions,” Williams said.

“So I guess I’ll be eternally grateful to the highest for making these adventures and challenges possible. And only the creator knows when it will all end.”

Meanwhile, Williams’ Roosters teammates feel equally fortunate to have the superstar in their ranks this weekend.

James Tedesco, considered one of the best full-backs in rugby league, said he believes Williams will make them an even stronger team.

“When he has the ball, he has good volleys and shots,” Tedesco said.

“He’s just a guy that I know I can hang out with and can create something for me and I can hopefully create something for him.”

The Roosters take the field against the Canberra Raiders in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final tonight at 9:35 pm New Zealand time.