By Adrian Proszenko
SONNY Bill Williams might be the biggest star in rugby league but he may have no options in the NRL if he doesn't sign with the Bulldogs by Friday.
After months of protracted negotiations, the Bulldogs finally lost patience with Williams's management team and threatened to pull a $1.5 million, three-year deal off the table if he doesn't commit by Friday.
Williams is one of the most destructive ball runners in the game and could all but name his price if he was prepared to chase the top money in the English Super League.
But a Sun-Herald poll of 14 rival clubs, except the Dragons, found that although most would love to have the Kiwi international on their books, they couldn't meet his asking price.
Several clubs also privately aired concerns about his injury record, pointing to the fact he has played only 41 NRL games since making his debut against Parramatta in the first round of 2004.
Manly chief executive Grant Mayer, who is on the hunt for a marquee back-rower to replace inspirational lock Ben Kennedy, summed up the feelings of many clubs when asked about recruiting Williams.
"No chance," he said. "He's a fantastic player and we'd love to have him in our team but the money they're talking about for Sonny Bill is well and truly out of our reach."
One of the sticking points in negotiations between the Bulldogs and Williams's manager Gavin Orr is sponsorship funds.
Orr has claimed that Williams would become the first $1 million-a-season rugby league player and has asked the Bulldogs to find additional revenue streams to top up his salary.
Belmore officials have shown in the past they won't let salary talks drag on. Last year they withdrew an offer to Willie Tonga, although he eventually re-signed with the club.
Orr, who was uncontactable yesterday, had also reportedly claimed there was a mammoth $6 million, 10-year deal from an unnamed club. Even if Williams accepted the $500,000 a season on offer from the Bulldogs, he would become one of the highest-paid players in the NRL.
While almost all clubs gave a flat "no" when asked if they were interested in Williams, Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce said he had yet to discuss the issue with coach Ricky Stuart.
Stuart met Orr last week but wouldn't be drawn on whether they had discussed Williams's future.
South Sydney did not rule out approaching Williams if they missed out on Tuqiri but chief executive Shane Richardson said he was "not on the radar".
Another compelling reason for Williams to remain at Belmore is coach Steve Folkes's decision to play him exclusively as a forward.
Debate has raged about the best position for the 21-year-old after he alternated between the centres and the back row last season.
Williams has always stated his preference was to play in the forwards and Folkes has granted his wish following the addition of former Dragons centres Daryl Millard and Lee Te Maari to the club in the off-season.
"Where Sonny plays depends on his fitness and other guys' fitness, but he'll be in the back row - the second row or lock forward," Folkes said.
"We want to fit guys around him who will complement his game and vice versa."
Williams did not want to discuss contractual matters but welcomed a permanent shift into the forwards.
"Last year was very topsy-turvy," he said. "We were short on centres so I had to fill in there but I'm back in the forwards, which is where I want to be.
"That's where my best position is - I'm a forward at heart."
While his injury history has scared off several potential suitors, Williams is in his best physical shape for several years. With the exception of distance runs, he has participated in all the club's training sessions.
"It's been my best pre-season in the last couple of years," he said. "I've been able to do every single session. I'm a lot fitter and I'm better off for it."
The Bulldogs are also in discussions with fellow off-contract stars Mark O'Meley, Hazem El Masri and Matt Utai.