EXCLUSIVE

BULLDOGS superstar Sonny Bill Williams is fed up and wants out of the club. The Sun-Herald can reveal Williams is at loggerheads with Bulldogs officials over a number of issues and has instructed his management to explore the possibility of a release.

Asked about the development, Williams said last night: "I don't want to comment."

The revelation comes as former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones declared he would attempt to lure Williams to English rugby club Saracens if the Kiwi forward can negotiate a release from his long-term deal at the Bulldogs. There are also big-money offers from rugby clubs in France and Japan.

As a 19-year-old, Williams showed loyalty to the Bulldogs by knocking back a $1 million-a-year approach from St Helens. However, it is understood Williams feels the show of faith hasn't been reciprocated. Last year he signed a five-year deal worth $400,000 a season - well below his market value - to keep the team together. Yet despite the departure of Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley and Brent Sherwin during the off-season, Williams hasn't been offered an upgrade.

Despite being just 22 years old, Williams is one of the senior players at the club and was disappointed he wasn't consulted about the coaching replacement for Steve Folkes. He also has captaincy ambitions but hasn't been approached about a greater leadership role. And the Bulldogs' rough-and-tumble style of play is another concern for a player who has had his share of injuries since bursting onto the scene in 2004.

The potential loss of arguably the game's best player would be a body blow to the Bulldogs, who are already struggling to overcome the loss of key personnel. While coach-in-waiting Kevin Moore is well credentialled and has the support of the majority of the players, there are questions about his ability to attract marquee players. Revelations that the club's biggest drawcard wants out will only make it harder for the cashed-up Bulldogs to attract big names. Before signing with the Bulldogs, unwanted Cronulla halfback Brett Kimmorley cited the opportunity to play alongside Williams as one of the attractions of joining the club.

There are no shortage of options for Williams should he broker a release. After expressing an interest in representing the All Blacks, European rugby sides have begun making enquiries about his availability.

Jones, now a consultant with English club Saracens, said he would target Williams if he became a free agent and met eligibility criteria.

"We're interested in getting a better squad, so any player on the open market, we'll have a look at them," Jones told The Sun-Herald. "We had a look at Dan Carter and it doesn't look like we'll be doing anything there.

"Certainly, if Sonny was interested in playing rugby, we'd be interested in talking to him. He's undoubtedly one of the most talented league players we've ever seen.

"He'd make a fantastic 12 [inside-centre] in union. He's got pace, he's got speed, he's got a step. He has the ability to distribute the ball and he's tough. They are all pretty good qualities that make a good 12.

"He could play No.8, he'd need the right people around him ... I have had a chat to a number of people about a number of things. We haven't gone down that track [in chasing Williams] to any formal extent."

Even though the English salary cap is set to double next year, Saracens will struggle to compete with the money available in France. Jones said Williams could fetch $1 million per season at one of the "big three or four" French franchises.

"A club like Toulouse, which reputedly operate on a salary budget of about 12 million euro ($19.56m) - you could set a player on that size wage in that salary cap," Jones said.

"Clubs all over the world make room for good players. If he decided to play rugby and was eligible to play in the competitions over here, I'm sure there would be a host of clubs that would be interested in him."

Former Kiwis league coach Graham Lowe said Williams would "blitz them" if he went to rugby.

"It would be a crying shame if he went but it's going to happen more as the games get closer," he said. "He would be a sensation in rugby. He strikes me as the sort of guy who would not go somewhere for an extra 50 grand ... but from the outside they [the Bulldogs] aren't playing like a happy mob."

The convenor of the Kiwis rugby league selectors, Howie Tamati, said he saw Williams as future Kiwi captain and added: "He would be a huge loss to the game if he does go ... but he is a young man who has got to make decisions to secure his own future and his livelihood."