Rugby, Australian Football: Leeds eyeing Williams aswell

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has admitted the Super League champions are hoping to rival Wigan in the chase for teenage sensation Sonny Bill Williams.

But Hetherington described reports that the 19-year-old New Zealand Test forward could command a £300,000 salary as illogical.

Williams, who caught the eye in the recent World Club Challenge, has become the hottest property in world rugby after an amazing debut season with Canterbury Bulldogs and the Kiwis last year.

He is out of contract at the end of this season - and although other NRL clubs are barred from making an approach until June, Williams' agent revealed at the weekend that a Super League club had submitted an offer which "blew us away".

Wigan have issued a statement denying they are poised to sign the player - and Leeds too insist they have not made an offer.

Sportinglife