Sonny sorry over Tohu situation

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SONNY Bill Williams has apologised over his World Cup backflip that forced promising Melbourne Storm forward Tohu Harris out of the squad to make way for the Roosters star.

Harris became the unfortunate victim after Williams declared his intention to play in the World Cup after the 24-man squad had been named.

On Wednesday night, Williams apologised for the "Tohu situation" saying it was "never my intention".

In a statement released by the New Zealand Rugby League on Wednesday afternoon it said Williams' inclusion in the squad had been approved by World Cup organisers.

Coach Steve Kearney, who on Tuesday fronted a press conference and announced Williams would not be playing in the World Cup said it had been a difficult 24 hours.

"It's been a tough situation, but Sonny brings things to the group that we couldn't ignore," Kearney said.

"He has had time since his NRL grand final win to clear his head and he wants to represent the Kiwis on the world stage.

"He missed our 2008 World Cup win and his inclusion will be a great asset in trying to repeat that success this year.

"It's not only his footballing ability, but also what he brings off the field which will benefit the team."

Earlier on Tuesday New Zealand selector Richie Barnett accused Williams of "disrespecting" the Kiwi team by nominating late for the squad.

In a statement issued by the Melbourne Storm Harris said he was bitterly disappointed to miss out on being part of the eight week tournament.

"As you would expect, I'm very disappointed not to be heading to the World Cup to represent my country, New Zealand,' Harris said.

"I was very much looking forward to going, however I understand the decision that has been made and hope I get another opportunity to play for the Kiwis in the future."

"My focus will now be on returning to training with Storm in November for pre-season and looking forward to an exciting 2014," Harris said.

New Zealand tried to soften the blow to Harris by taking him on the tour in a development role and play him in pre-tournament matches.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But Harris and the Storm have decided it would be better for him to remain in Melbourne for minor surgery.

Young gun Harris produced a brilliant debut season at the Storm this year, nominated for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award alongside George Burgess, Anthony Milford and David Nofouluma, with Burgess eventually taking the title. 

In April, Harris was promoted to the New Zealand side after just six NRL games, debuting in the Anzac Test against Australia following injuries to Simon Mannering and Jeremy Smith.

Harris played all but one NRL game in his rookie year, crossing for two tries.

"Tohu handled the situation as well as anyone could," Kearney said.

"It was a conversation no coach would like to have, but he's a terrific young man and I'm sure he'll have many more opportunities to pull on the black jersey.

"It's been a unique set of circumstances for all involved, but for now our focus is getting set to defend the World Cup with the team we have."

New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden told a media conference said the senior leadership group gave unanimous support to Williams' inclusion.

"We want to win the World Cup, we want to take the best team," he said.

"He (Williams) is clearly an undeniable talent, but we recognise it's a polarising decision."

Only time will tell if Williams can be the difference in retaining the trophy - "But I think our chances have increase significantly - you can't deny that," Holden said.

He believed the NZRL had acted with integrity and respect in the way they conveyed the news to Harris.

He also said whatever decision was made would have its supporters and detractors.

Holden said Williams was "hugely excited" about his inclusion in the squad.

"I think he felt that, in 2008, when he missed the last World Cup, that he missed an opportunity,'' he said.

"He didn't want to miss this one and he had had time to reflect on that."

Holden added that Williams was aware of the difficulty he had created for the NZRL and for Kearney, and the personal impact on Harris.

Below are Williams' reasons for changing his mind which he sent to his followers on Twitter on Wednesday.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Sonny sorry over Tohu situation

Dengan url

http://sportifoclube.blogspot.com/2013/10/sonny-sorry-over-tohu-situation.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Sonny sorry over Tohu situation

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Sonny sorry over Tohu situation

sebagai sumbernya