Toronto Wolfpack director of rugby Brian Noble has confirmed the club’s interest in signing superstar Sonny Bill Williams - but insists the deal is not done.
Reports in Australia suggested that the dual code star was close to agreeing a staggering £4.8million two-year contract with the ambitious Canadian club, who have been promoted to Super League.
And while Noble says the Wolfpack are in the running he knows they face competition from leading Australian clubs.
Noble, speaking on BBC 5 Live's Rugby League podcast, said: “His agent, I would say, has probably been in contact with many clubs.
“If he is leaving the All Blacks, I am confident there are two or three NRL clubs that are in the batting to secure his services.
“Our aspirations are to bring an impactive world-known, world current great in relation to heritage and presence in the game of rugby.
“He’s still got a game to play in relation to the All Blacks, and one of our mantras at Toronto is to bring in the best we possibly can in relation to a guy who can put bums on seats to the Super League.
“We're trying to make a decision that's good for the game.”
Williams previously won 12 caps for New Zealand in rugby league, having previously starred in NRL with Canterbury and Sydney Roosters.
He still has one game left at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, as the All Blacks take on Wales in the third-place play-off on Friday following their loss to England in the semi-final.
Toronto clinched their place at rugby league's top table with a 24-6 win over Featherstone Rovers earlier this month.
