ANDRE Savelio has played down comparisons with New Zealand’s dual-code icon Sonny Bill Williams.
Upon completing a deal to join NRL giants Brisbane Broncos for the 2018 season, several reports in the Australian media likened the Wolves back-rower to the Kiwi great.
However, the 22-year-old says he has tried not to let those comparisons get inside his head but admits Williams was a hero of his growing up.
“It’s nice to be talked about in that way but I don’t really read too much into that,” he said.
“I think it was just a passing comment from someone in the media so I’ve tried not to get too caught up in it!
“I think he’s the best back-rower to have played the game, certainly the best I’ve seen.
“He’s the ultimate, all-round player. He’s got it all.
“He’s someone I watched when I was younger and wanted to be like him. He’s the man!”
The Warrington-born forward, who played his junior rugby for Latchford Albion and attended Cardinal Newman High School, joined the club on a one-year deal from St Helens in the off-season.
Having represented his hometown club, Savelio says the pull of playing for a Brisbane side that is “close to his heart” was too much to resist.
“The first jersey I ever wore was a Brisbane one so it always stuck with me,” he said.
“It’s a club that’s very close to my heart. If I was ever going to go over to Australia, Brisbane was where I wanted to go.
“All my family live in Brisbane so I was happy to get it over the line.
“Whenever I go over there, it just feels right.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel