Hosea Gear hoping Sonny Bill sticks around

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OLD CHUMS: Hosea Gear (L) and Sonny Bill Williams wander the streets of Edinburgh in 2010.

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Highlanders and All Blacks winger Hosea Gear hopes his good mate Sonny Bill Williams sticks with rugby union, but he will stand by whatever decision the hulking human headline makes.

Williams is expected to make an announcement about his future as early as tomorrow night, with strong rumours linking him to a brief stint playing in Japan before a shift back to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters.

"It's been like that every year, what's he going to do, is he going to go, is he going to stay," Gear said after Highlanders training in Dunedin today.

"It would be awesome if he stays but he's a good mate of mine and I just want what's best for him. I'll be happy with whatever decision he makes. If he stays it's awesome for us and awesome for New Zealand rugby, so hopefully he does that."

Gear backed out of a big-money deal in Japan earlier this season and was rewarded with a start against Ireland in the third test in Hamilton on Saturday night.

He celebrated the occasion with a try which showcased his special qualities - a combination of pace, power and guile.

Highlanders fans will be hoping for more of the same when Gear lines up against Williams' high-flying Chiefs team under the roof in Dunedin on Friday night.

- © Fairfax NZ News