January 23, 2014
Who wouldn’t sign Superman?
WILLIE JACKSON
11102013
OPINION: The outrage following Sonny Bill Williams' decision to make himself available for the Kiwi Rugby League World Cup challenge was over the top.
Sure Sonny should have made his decision earlier to avoid the unfortunate dropping of Tohu Harris, who was selected because SBW had initially said no to the world cup.
But Sonny had a change of heart and made himself available after the team was selected, he was clear that the selectors didn't have to pick him and he would have completely understood if they had of chosen not to.
But the selectors jumped at the opportunity and why wouldn't they pick him?
After all SBW is Superman.
Sports columnist Chris Rattue describes the decision as a day of shame for New Zealand rugby league, saying it's the most reprehensible sporting decision since child killer Soulan Pownceby was selected to represent New Zealand at the Olympics.
Mr Rattue is out of line. While I agree on his view regarding Pownceby, his condemnation of New Zealand league's decision is wrong.
The selectors were in a no-win position. Even former Kiwi coach Graham Lowe said while it was unfortunate that Harris missed out, the selectors would have been crazy not to take the opportunity to select "the best player on the planet".
The criticism of SBW is hypocritical when compared to Russell Coutts, who walked out on Team New Zealand and sold his soul to the highest bidder. He betrayed this country, then was amazingly awarded a knighthood.
So the traitor gets honoured and SBW who makes himself available for his country gets condemned from people who should know better.
Sonny has apologised for how he handled it saying: "I'm really sorry about the Tohu situation it was never my intention I just followed my heart now, I promise I'll play with all of it".
So what more can SBW do? The truth is that SBW has never been forgiven since he walked out on the pathetic deal he had with the Canterbury Bulldogs. I admired him for that. Yes, he could have handled it better but league clubs have been exploiting players, particularly young Polynesian players, for many years.
If you doubt that, ask Ruben Wiki whose Warriors contract was ripped up in a Canberra court because chief executive officer Ian Robson had tried to sign him illegally, or ask Maori league brothers Henry and Robbie Paul how much they were offered to play for the Warriors, it was an insult.
SBW made a stand against that sort of exploitation he should be celebrated for what he has achieved, he is a role model and its time the Chris Rattues and this country woke up to that fact.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd