New Zealand selectors today named Sonny Bill Williams in their preliminary 49-man Rugby League World Cup squad, despite the 23-year-old's decision to walk out on the sport.
His selection is clearly subject to availability and Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) chairman and World Cup director Colin Love said Williams will not be allowed to play in the tournament or any other international event if he breaches his Bulldogs contract by playing rugby in France.
The Bulldogs and the NRL head back to the courts today to seek an injunction preventing Williams from playing with Toulon.
Williams is set to make his debut early Saturday morning (AEST) in a friendly against Heyres.
New Zealand take on defending champions Australia at the Sydney Football Stadium on October 26 following the tournament's opening ceremony.
"It is a difficult position given that court proceedings are underway but we are not able to pre-judge any outcomes," NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden said.
"One thing we do know is that, with or without his involvement, New Zealand will be focused on winning the World Cup."
The Kiwis squad includes all 19 players involved in the Centenary Test preparations in Sydney on May 9 and is bolstered by the return of internationals Benji Marshall, Krisnan Inu, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati and Steve Matai, who were unavailable for that match.
Of the 49 players, 16 are yet to play for New Zealand.
Preliminary 49-man New Zealand World Cup squad:
Fraser Anderson, Roy Asotasi, Adam Blair, Nathan Cayless, Rangi Chase, Anthony Cherrington, Greg Eastwood, David Fa'alogo, Sonny Fai, Nathan Fien, Dene Halatau, Bronson Harrison, Weller Hauraki, Lance Hohaia, Krisnan Inu, Masada Iosefa, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, David Kidwell, Thomas Leuluai, Jeff Lima, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Sika Manu, Manase Manuokafoa, Benji Marshall, Steve Matai, Ben Matulino, Fui Fui Moimoi, Jason Nightingale, Eddie Paea, Sam Perrett, Frank Pritchard, Sam Rapira, Ben Roberts, Jerome Ropati, Setaimata Sa, Jeremy Smith, Iosia Soliola, Chase Stanley, Fetuli Talanoa, Taulima Tautai, Lee Te Maari, Ben Te'o, Taniela Tuiaki, Evarn Tuimavave, Manu Vatuvei, Cooper Vuna, Brent Webb, *Sonny Bill Williams
*Subject to eligibility and availability
Coach: Stephen Kearney
