David EdwardsThe Exclusive Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) Interview!
August 5th 2008 03:02
The Exclusive Interview.
Slightly bleary-eyed afted a 13 hour sojourn to Paris to conduct the first exclusive interview with run-away Sonny Bill Williams, a nervous energy permeated my body - I was about to get the inside scoop on the SBW saga! Grateful for the opportunity (given to me by Orble.com - all fully paid for), i was somewhat relieved to have actually made the landing-strip (since i was aboard a Qantas 747) - but once i had walked through customs and collected my baggage, i was free to sample the Parisian delights - the city itself really is a feast for the senses.
I had arranged to meet Mr Williams at Parisian restaraunt Taillevent, a grand 19th Century town-house, situated a sneaky "9-iron" away from the famous Champs Elysees. Slightly late, i checked my coat at the door and looked around for my interviewee, who was sitting in the far corner, sipping on what appeared to be a soft, subtle Merlot. As i walked over rather gingerly, Sonny lept to his feet and introduced himself. Obviously he needed no introduction, but i was quietly impressed at his assertiveness and his outstanding etiquette.
As we sat down he offered me a glass of the expensive Merlot, which he explained was actually from the Bordeaux region. Impressed with his wine knowledge, he went on to tell me the history of the region and its most famous wines. He laughed when i mentioned i had a special affinity with Botrytis desert wines - which he indeed was familiar with, referencing the delicious Sauternes that he had enjoyed the previous evening.
Williams sipped gently from his glass, pursed lips - swishing the 'drop around in his mouth like an experienced vigneron - this being a stark contrast to the destructive persona the man enjoys on the football field. With a hint of glint in his eye, Williams exuded the confidence of a man who knows exactly what he is doing with his life, someone who has been freed from a struggle. A man who is genuinely contented.
SportingMind: "So firstly, how are you enjoying the French lifestyle? I noticed that you have a baguette in your bag, clearly you are relishing the cultural delights here in France?"
SBW: "Certainly. As you can see, France is a place rich in history. The food is so full of flavour and the wine, well - there is no parallel. French wine is the pinnancle of viticulture - perfection in a bottle".
SportingMind: "It must be great to get away from the fishbowl existence that you suffered in Australia. Barry Hall referred to the "fishbowl existence" in his weekly Sydney Morning Herald column, did you by chance read it?"
SBW: "Who is Barry Hall??"
SportingMind: "Exactly. Now there has been much conjecture about your salary; could you clear things up for the interested public?"
SBW: "Well reports have been falsified - the facts are: i am making 1 million Euros per year, plus an unlimited supply of Baguette coupons and a store discount for all felt beret outlets in Toulon. Also included in my deal was a personal tailor - Felix - who designs me the most current and cutting edge horizontally striped skivvies".
SportingMind: "Yes i did notice the rather dashing fashion sense - is this something that partly inspired this European Escapade?"
SBW: "I would prefer it if you didn't refer to this contract like it is some sort of "Contiki" tour. This is a chance to play under the expert tutelage of Tana Umaga, to play with Ivan Henjak, who i have always admired, and to really change the face of French Rugby."
SportingMind: "So tell me, is Khoder Nasser your manager? Reports have said..."
SBW: (cutting in abruptly) "We are friends. I fell comfortable around him, he is a calming influence on me. He also bears a striking resemblance to John Hopoate, which i also enjoy, and this relaxes me in case the paparazzi starts hounding me, because he could always be relied on to perform similar forms of contrary conduct that Hoppa was famous for. He told me he would do that for me because he's my mate".
SportingMind: "Yikes. So will you ever come back to the NRL - if they will have you, that is?"
SBW: "I love league, i grew up playing it as a young Poly boy, so it will always be in my heart. It is silly to rule out anything really. Acting, rapping, television, journalism, law, medicine. I'm just keeping my options open i guess".
SportingMind: "So do you aspire to be an All-Black. Is this what this is all about? Perhaps the new Brad Thorn?"
SBW: "Well i'll point out that Brad Thorn is very unattractive, whereas i am exceptionally good looking. In fact i once had a well-publicised tryst with Candice Falzon. Have you heard of her?"
SportingMind: "I certainly have. Congratulations".
SBW: (continuing) "But its not just about becoming an All-Balck. Its about respect. I want respect. I want people to treat me right, anytime at all. A little carings all i'm asking for. Don't try me, lie to me - patronise me... Talk do--"
SportingMind : (intercepting SBW) "Excuse me, but are you quoting lyrics from "Bachelor Girl - Treat me Good"?"
SBW: "Well yes, but its all relevant".
SportingMind: "Ok. Some may argue that the 5 year deal from the Bulldogs was very generous - and that you doing a runner from the club let down the current players, the already signed future players - who are themselves victims of disrespect. Is this a fair assessment?"
SBW: "Come on SportingMind, if that is even your real name. Who do you think you are, Peter Fitzsimons? Only he has the journalistic clout to refer to himself firstly in the 3rd person, and secondly as "Fitz-Files", or as F.F. even. Just because you are "employed" by Orble, you think you are such a hot-shot. I mean, you probably had to pay your air-fare here, didn't you? Do you even get paid for writing for Orble? GEEZ...."
SportingMind: "No need to get nasty, Sonny"..(said in a condescending, fatherly tone)
SBW: "Please don't be condescending by calling me 'Sonny', in a fatherly tone. Refer to me in the acronymic form - SBW."
SportingMind: "But you were just lecturing me about referring to myself in the 3rd person in my columns..."
SBW: "Enough! I'll give you 3 more questions!"
SportingMind: "Ok SBW, i apologise. Tell me, have you contacted the Buldogs yet to explain your decision to leave abruptly, on the eve of a game?"
SBW: "Not yet, but i plan to. I've been very busy leaking text-message correspondence between myself and Steve Folkes, so one step at a time. I've spoken to my mates Reni, B.R and 'Tomatas'. "Mase" gave me a call, and we're sweet. Spoke to 'Kids', Azo and Bob-Cat briefly, and got a quick text from the "General". But no i haven't contacted Todd Greenberg, CEO of the Bulldogs, as such. Not until he gets an appropriate nickname, but he seems reluctant to assume one."
SportingMind: "That seems fair. So do you see a proverbial avalanche of players from the NRL following you into the French Rugby Union competition? There has been quite a moral panic back home about this issue."
SBW: "I don't think so (Pausing to sip from his glass - heartily). There is good money to be made, but the NRL is a good competition. It is a great product, as you have probably heard about ad nauseum lately - but its just not what i want at this stage in my life. I want security, i want to set my family up for life. I have dreams of being an All-Black."
SportingMind: "I'm sure many would love to see you make that dream a reality, SBW. Just one last question and we'll move onto the degustation menu. I was just wondering, what is your work-out program? Your so chiselled (not that i'm perving), but...WOW! Sorry, i have a tendency to blurt..."
SBW: (smiling) "That's ok, it happens. No secrets, just hard work and good genes, i guess. Sorry to disappoint you!"
SportingMind: (embarrassed, muffled laughter) "Haha, oh well. Shame. Sonny Bill Williams, thank you for your time today (sound of glasses 'chinking'), and good luck with your aspirations."
SBW: "It's SBW, actually".
-SportingMind.
Slightly bleary-eyed afted a 13 hour sojourn to Paris to conduct the first exclusive interview with run-away Sonny Bill Williams, a nervous energy permeated my body - I was about to get the inside scoop on the SBW saga! Grateful for the opportunity (given to me by Orble.com - all fully paid for), i was somewhat relieved to have actually made the landing-strip (since i was aboard a Qantas 747) - but once i had walked through customs and collected my baggage, i was free to sample the Parisian delights - the city itself really is a feast for the senses.
I had arranged to meet Mr Williams at Parisian restaraunt Taillevent, a grand 19th Century town-house, situated a sneaky "9-iron" away from the famous Champs Elysees. Slightly late, i checked my coat at the door and looked around for my interviewee, who was sitting in the far corner, sipping on what appeared to be a soft, subtle Merlot. As i walked over rather gingerly, Sonny lept to his feet and introduced himself. Obviously he needed no introduction, but i was quietly impressed at his assertiveness and his outstanding etiquette.
As we sat down he offered me a glass of the expensive Merlot, which he explained was actually from the Bordeaux region. Impressed with his wine knowledge, he went on to tell me the history of the region and its most famous wines. He laughed when i mentioned i had a special affinity with Botrytis desert wines - which he indeed was familiar with, referencing the delicious Sauternes that he had enjoyed the previous evening.
Williams sipped gently from his glass, pursed lips - swishing the 'drop around in his mouth like an experienced vigneron - this being a stark contrast to the destructive persona the man enjoys on the football field. With a hint of glint in his eye, Williams exuded the confidence of a man who knows exactly what he is doing with his life, someone who has been freed from a struggle. A man who is genuinely contented.
SportingMind: "So firstly, how are you enjoying the French lifestyle? I noticed that you have a baguette in your bag, clearly you are relishing the cultural delights here in France?"
SBW: "Certainly. As you can see, France is a place rich in history. The food is so full of flavour and the wine, well - there is no parallel. French wine is the pinnancle of viticulture - perfection in a bottle".
SportingMind: "It must be great to get away from the fishbowl existence that you suffered in Australia. Barry Hall referred to the "fishbowl existence" in his weekly Sydney Morning Herald column, did you by chance read it?"
SBW: "Who is Barry Hall??"
SportingMind: "Exactly. Now there has been much conjecture about your salary; could you clear things up for the interested public?"
SBW: "Well reports have been falsified - the facts are: i am making 1 million Euros per year, plus an unlimited supply of Baguette coupons and a store discount for all felt beret outlets in Toulon. Also included in my deal was a personal tailor - Felix - who designs me the most current and cutting edge horizontally striped skivvies".
SportingMind: "Yes i did notice the rather dashing fashion sense - is this something that partly inspired this European Escapade?"
SBW: "I would prefer it if you didn't refer to this contract like it is some sort of "Contiki" tour. This is a chance to play under the expert tutelage of Tana Umaga, to play with Ivan Henjak, who i have always admired, and to really change the face of French Rugby."
SportingMind: "So tell me, is Khoder Nasser your manager? Reports have said..."
SBW: (cutting in abruptly) "We are friends. I fell comfortable around him, he is a calming influence on me. He also bears a striking resemblance to John Hopoate, which i also enjoy, and this relaxes me in case the paparazzi starts hounding me, because he could always be relied on to perform similar forms of contrary conduct that Hoppa was famous for. He told me he would do that for me because he's my mate".
SportingMind: "Yikes. So will you ever come back to the NRL - if they will have you, that is?"
SBW: "I love league, i grew up playing it as a young Poly boy, so it will always be in my heart. It is silly to rule out anything really. Acting, rapping, television, journalism, law, medicine. I'm just keeping my options open i guess".
SportingMind: "So do you aspire to be an All-Black. Is this what this is all about? Perhaps the new Brad Thorn?"
SBW: "Well i'll point out that Brad Thorn is very unattractive, whereas i am exceptionally good looking. In fact i once had a well-publicised tryst with Candice Falzon. Have you heard of her?"
SportingMind: "I certainly have. Congratulations".
SBW: (continuing) "But its not just about becoming an All-Balck. Its about respect. I want respect. I want people to treat me right, anytime at all. A little carings all i'm asking for. Don't try me, lie to me - patronise me... Talk do--"
SportingMind : (intercepting SBW) "Excuse me, but are you quoting lyrics from "Bachelor Girl - Treat me Good"?"
SBW: "Well yes, but its all relevant".
SportingMind: "Ok. Some may argue that the 5 year deal from the Bulldogs was very generous - and that you doing a runner from the club let down the current players, the already signed future players - who are themselves victims of disrespect. Is this a fair assessment?"
SBW: "Come on SportingMind, if that is even your real name. Who do you think you are, Peter Fitzsimons? Only he has the journalistic clout to refer to himself firstly in the 3rd person, and secondly as "Fitz-Files", or as F.F. even. Just because you are "employed" by Orble, you think you are such a hot-shot. I mean, you probably had to pay your air-fare here, didn't you? Do you even get paid for writing for Orble? GEEZ...."
SportingMind: "No need to get nasty, Sonny"..(said in a condescending, fatherly tone)
SBW: "Please don't be condescending by calling me 'Sonny', in a fatherly tone. Refer to me in the acronymic form - SBW."
SportingMind: "But you were just lecturing me about referring to myself in the 3rd person in my columns..."
SBW: "Enough! I'll give you 3 more questions!"
SportingMind: "Ok SBW, i apologise. Tell me, have you contacted the Buldogs yet to explain your decision to leave abruptly, on the eve of a game?"
SBW: "Not yet, but i plan to. I've been very busy leaking text-message correspondence between myself and Steve Folkes, so one step at a time. I've spoken to my mates Reni, B.R and 'Tomatas'. "Mase" gave me a call, and we're sweet. Spoke to 'Kids', Azo and Bob-Cat briefly, and got a quick text from the "General". But no i haven't contacted Todd Greenberg, CEO of the Bulldogs, as such. Not until he gets an appropriate nickname, but he seems reluctant to assume one."
SportingMind: "That seems fair. So do you see a proverbial avalanche of players from the NRL following you into the French Rugby Union competition? There has been quite a moral panic back home about this issue."
SBW: "I don't think so (Pausing to sip from his glass - heartily). There is good money to be made, but the NRL is a good competition. It is a great product, as you have probably heard about ad nauseum lately - but its just not what i want at this stage in my life. I want security, i want to set my family up for life. I have dreams of being an All-Black."
SportingMind: "I'm sure many would love to see you make that dream a reality, SBW. Just one last question and we'll move onto the degustation menu. I was just wondering, what is your work-out program? Your so chiselled (not that i'm perving), but...WOW! Sorry, i have a tendency to blurt..."
SBW: (smiling) "That's ok, it happens. No secrets, just hard work and good genes, i guess. Sorry to disappoint you!"
SportingMind: (embarrassed, muffled laughter) "Haha, oh well. Shame. Sonny Bill Williams, thank you for your time today (sound of glasses 'chinking'), and good luck with your aspirations."
SBW: "It's SBW, actually".
-SportingMind.
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Comment by TimmyH
Tech News
Can you HACK it?
Genyration
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Captain Carnage
Comment by Captain Carnage
Comment by Professor Chaos
Should be more references to Sauternes in Rugby League circles everywhere.
Your knowledge of wine will be a great help when I finally get around to posting my "Rugby League Lovers guide to Wine."
Comment by Go with the Flo
In a nutshell i hope Toulon haven't paid $3million for him as at this stage he's a massive gamble for that kind of money!
P.s. he also got some very good legal advice the NRL have about the same chance of stopping him play in France.. as Eric "the eel" Mussambani has of winning a medal in Beijing!
Comment by zalai
great interview though
Comment by David Edwards
Sporting Mind
I must say i am looking forward to Part II of the unedited interview, coming up soon. Stay tuned for that one, there are plenty of explosive revelations still to come.
-SportingMind