Give Sonny time to shine says coach

TIME TO SHINE: 'He is very strong, he is quick and he has a good off-load,' says Toulon coach Philippe Saint-Andre Leg about Sonny Bill Williams.

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Sonny Bill Williams only needs one thing to become a great rugby player according to his Toulon coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

"He's injury-free. He is talented but he does not have enough experience," Saint-Andre told Sunday News.

"He played last week and if he can be free of injury and play 10 to 12 games in a row he will get there."

Williams has been plagued by injury since signing with the French Top 14 side, playing just 15 games since arriving in 2008.

Toulon is enjoying a strong year and is in third place but Williams has made just one appearance, in last weekend's 19-10 win over Brive.

But St Andre said the former rugby league star was fully fit and raring to go against the powerful Stade Francais club this weekend.

"He is very strong, he is quick and he has a good off-load," Saint-Andre said.

"I hope he can make this his year but he must play games."

Saint-Andre said Williams' best position was in the midfield, though he is unsure whether it is second-five or centre.

The big Kiwi had his leg operated on over the northern summer on a bone fissure.

He returned to training too early after the operation and "clean-up" surgery was required, further delaying his return.

Rugby forums among French rugby fans following Williams are encouraging.

"Potentially, he is the best centre in the Top 14. But he doesn't play enough because of his leg problems," said one post.

In a recent media interview, Williams acknowledged he is still coming to grips with rugby.

"(I) definitely don't have that feeling yet," Williams admitted. "But I'm definitely working on it.

"I want to be able to get to the stage where it's all instinct when I'm out there but I'm still definitely learning."

Williams' recent inactivity has prompted renewed talk in Australia that he is homesick and wants to return to the NRL in Australia.

"Could Sonny Bill Williams be contemplating a shock return to Australia?" Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper asked last week before adding: "The Daily Telegraph keeps hearing the runaway Bulldog has had enough of France and wants to come home.

"We are sure there would be a lot of clubs, both rugby league and rugby union, interested in snaring the Kiwi superstar but we doubt that anyone would be willing to part with the $A700,000 Williams would no doubt ask for."

But Williams' camp laughed off the rumours this week and St Andre reiterated that the prize import is happy in France.

- © Fairfax NZ News