TVNZ - Sonny Bill Williams is flying to Samoa this weekend to launch the National Rugby League's (N.R.L) new Pacific Strategy plan.
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N.R.L Chief Executive David Smith said that Williams and Jaryd Hayne have helped increase popularity of the game into an area that historically has been a predominantly rugby stronghold.
Dual code superstar Williams, who was part of the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 2011 and helped the Sydney Roosters win the N.R.L premiership last year, is a huge name in Samoa, the birthplace of his father.
TVNZ - Sonny Bill Williams is flying to Samoa this weekend to launch the National Rugby League's (N.R.L) new Pacific Strategy plan.
N.R.L Chief Executive David Smith said that Williams and Jaryd Hayne have helped increase popularity of the game into an area that historically has been a predominantly rugby stronghold.
Dual code superstar Williams, who was part of the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 2011 and helped the Sydney Roosters win the N.R.L premiership last year, is a huge name in Samoa, the birthplace of his father.
Williams, who is recovering from a broken thumb, will fly to Samoa to kick-start the program while Hayne is due to fly to Fiji later this year once Parramatta finish their season.
"We've been thinking for a while how we might develop the game," Smith said.
"Nearly 40 per cent of our players are from the islands so I think it's important to recognise that and the development potential there is important for the game."
"I think it's very possible that we could see a team from the islands in the World Cup final in 2017."
Meanwhile, Williams' comeback has been delayed and he is now expected to back just before playoffs at the start of next month.
But one is thing is for sure. The former All Black, who is returning to the Chiefs next season, will be watching the big Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney this weekend, one way or another.
"The Wallabies are in some form. It's going to be a good match. I'll have to record that one," he said.
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