SYDNEY - Sydney Roosters skipper Anthony Minichiello has backed Sonny Bill Williams to make an instant impression on his return to the NRL against South Sydney on Thursday.
Williams, who has been named on the bench for the Allianz Stadium clash, was rumoured to be in doubt for the game, but trained with his teammates yesterday.
The New Zealand Rugby World Cup winner underwent surgery on a torn pectoral muscle in November and had his left knee strapped as he was put through his paces.
But Minichiello, who'll lead the team out for the first time since being named captain, said the 27-year-old will definitely play against the Rabbitohs.
"His injury is good, he's got all the ticks from the medical staff," Minichiello said.
"He's trained for the last two weeks, has done all of his contact work.
"He's fit and ready to go and I am looking forward to playing with him."
Williams has not played in the NRL since 2008, when he walked out on Canterbury mid-season to take up a contract with French rugby side Toulon.