Sonny Bill Williams, playing against the Canterbury Bulldogs at their ANZ Stadium home for the first time since walking out on the club in 2008, enjoyed a triumphant return to his old stomping ground last night.
His Sydney Roosters survived a late surge to score a 20-18 National Rugby League win.
Listed at halfback, Williams was cleared to play before the game after suffering a gluteal muscle injury on Thursday and relished his roving role, which allowed him to display his full range of skills.
Leading 10-6 at the break, the Roosters took control by scoring the first two tries of the second half.
Down 20-6 with 19 minutes to go, the Bulldogs scored the last 12 points, but ran out of time, slipping to just their second loss in their past nine games.
