Sonny Bill Williams

“When I first went to rugby, I wanted it all; I just wanted it all, and you know, I thought it was just going to happen just like that, but I've come to learn that good things take time.”

“People have goodness in their hearts.”

“I don't have the runs on the board to trash talk anyone in the boxing sense. I've got to do it the hard way and earn that respect.”

“Sometimes they are big hurdles, but good players can overcome them. I am trying to do my best.”

“It doesn't matter what you look like. Experience is the key.”

“In rugby union, I was out wide kicking stones with the pretty boys.”

“Being a young Kiwi lad, a young Polynesian boy, I was pretty close to my family. But when I moved to Sydney, I went from training twice a week, playing touch footy with my mates, to working...”

“I guess you could say I have grown up, matured. I have seen a lot, and I guess that probably sums it up.”

“After that first month in Sydney, I went home for two weeks. I didn't want to ever go back because it was so hard.”

“Every rugby player in Australia and New Zealand or wherever they are from wants to play in the World Cup, and I am no different.”

“To be an Olympian - not many people can say that. But first of all, I've got to make the team, and I know a lot of hard work is going to go into it, so hopefully it pays off.”

“Going back in time, the best sportsmen ever have been Olympians.”

“I really wanted to come into the Olympics.”

“Just like in rugby, the pinnacle was playing for the All Blacks. That was always a massive thing. But you never speak it outwardly because it can sound stupid. But if you don't have massive...”

“We're so lucky where we live, but we're so out of touch. Everyone's mindset is made to feel that refugees are a problem, but it's more than that. They're human beings, too. They were forced...”

“I'll be seeking professional help with regards to alcohol and, until myself and the club feel this is under control, I'll be off the drink.”

“As soon as I signed for the French rugby union, it was just a huge relief, you know, because I was out of Sydney and out of sight doing what was best for myself.”

“I definitely want to play rugby at the top level, international rugby.”

“I thought that if I could play rugby on TV, I'd be able to get my mum a house. That was the driving factor.”

“I have just fallen back in love with rugby league again.”