SYDNEY - Sydney Roosters and the NRL have avoided a public relations disaster after prodigal son Sonny Bill Williams was finally given the okay to play in Thursday's season-opening blockbuster.
While Williams still has to overcome knee and pectoral muscle injuries to play against South Sydney at Allianz Stadium, the Roosters registered the dual international's contract on Friday.
With promotions and ticket sales for the potential sell-out based on Williams' first game of rugby league since 2008, his unavailability due to a contract dispute would not have gone down too well with fans.
The Nine Network has been promoting Williams' expected March 7 return for the past month.
Salary cap auditor Ian Schubert requested more paperwork from the Roosters before signing off on the complicated one-year deal, which the Roosters delivered before Friday's 5pm (AEDT) deadline.
"The Roosters have worked closely with the NRL regarding this matter and we were comfortable with the proceedings," Roosters chief operating officer Brian Canavan said.
"We now look forward to continuing our preparations for the season opener against Souths."