Born: August 3, 1985 - Auckland
Test record: 12 Tests (2004, 2006-08, 2013) - 5 tries (20 points)
Tours: 2004 Tri Nations, 2013 World Cup
One of the most dynamic and high-profile players of his era, Sonny Bill Williams made an immediate impression on the international scene while still a teenager and won NRL premierships with two clubs.
But injuries and multiple rugby union switches - which resulted in two World Cup triumphs with the All Blacks - dictated that SBW's unique talents were seen in just 12 Tests for the Kiwis.
The Marist Saints junior was scouted by former and future Warriors lower-grade coach John Ackland, then working for the Bulldogs, in 2002. Williams represented NSW Under-17s in 2002 and Under-19s in 2003.
At just 18 he made one of the most memorable top-grade debuts of the NRL era in the opening round of 2004, in the centres for the Bulldogs against Parramatta. After just five NRL appearances, he was called up by the Kiwis to come off the bench in the 37-10 Anzac Test loss to the Kangaroos in Newcastle.
Williams finished his rookie season as an NRL grand final winner, playing in the Bulldogs' 16-13 victory over Sydney Roosters, then was man of the match two weeks later in New Zealand's Tri Nations-opening draw with Australia at North Harbour. He was retained at lock for the clash with Australia in London and against Great Britain in Huddersfield, scoring a try in the latter.
'SBW' had become one of the game's most recognisable acronyms, while his mix of size, pace, skills and offloading ability rendered him among the NRL's most unique talents.
Injuries interrupted his progress with the Bulldogs and limited his availability for the Kiwis in subsequent seasons, but he featured in the 2006 and '07 Anzac Tests. After a superb performance in the second-row in the 2008 Centenary Test loss at the SCG, however, Williams sensationally walked out on the Bulldogs and the NRL mid-season.
Amid a firestorm of controversy, Williams linked with French rugby union club Toulon. He eventually returned to New Zealand in 2010, playing NPC rugby for Canterbury that year and making his All Blacks debut in the No.13 against England - becoming the first league-first dual international for New Zealand since Karl Ifwersen in 1921.
Williams, soon becoming a premier inside-centre, played Super Rugby for the Crusaders in 2011 and featured in the All Blacks' long-awaited World Cup triumph. He won a Super Rugby title with the Chiefs in 2012.
Returning to the NRL with Sydney Roosters in 2013, SBW unequivocally lived up to the hype in a magnificent season that garnered another premiership winner's ring, courtesy of a grand final win over Manly. He initially turned down the opportunity to play in the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the year, before having a change of heart and taking his place in the squad - controversially at the expense of originally selected rookie Tohu Harris.
Williams played five matches at the England-hosted tournament, scoring three tries in a pool win over Papua New Guinea and producing a wonderful performance in New Zealand's unforgettable semi-final win over England at Wembley.
Unavailable for the Kiwis in 2014, Williams went to rugby union again at the conclusion of the NRL season. He won another World Cup with the All Blacks in 2015 and was part of New Zealand's Sevens side at the Rio Olympics.
Williams played the last of 58 Tests for the All Blacks in 2019 and wound up his rugby union career that having played three Super Rugby season with the Blues.
Linking with Super League outfit Toronto Wolfpack in 2020, COVID-19 brought that stint to a premature end but he made five NRL appearances for the Roosters later that season - his last top-level footballing foray.
Williams also had 11 professional boxing bouts between 2009 and 2025, winning the vacant WBA International heavyweight title against Francois Botha in 2013. His losses came in his last two fights against Mark Hunt (TKO) and former NRL adversary Paul Gallen (split decision).