SBW expected to make NRL return on Saturday

Sonny Bill Williams return to the NRL has taken a significant step forward with the former All Black named on the Roosters' bench for Saturday's game against the Raiders.

Williams has been handed the No.17 jersey by coach Trent Robinson for the match - the first time his name has featured in a Roosters line-up since 2014.

The 35-year-old joined the Roosters last month after his Super League club - the Toronto Wolfpack - confirmed they wouldn't participate in a season restart in the UK due to financial issues brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision paved the way for Williams to return to the NRL and after his two weeks in quarantine in Australia, he teamed up with the Roosters and has been training with the side with the goal of featuring in the final few rounds of the competition before playoffs.

Roosters fullback James Tedesco says he's confident Williams will be up to the challenge after a quick return to playing.

[Source; TV NZ]