Sonny Bill-Williams has shed light on his chequered past, with the dual-code superstar writing another chapter in his stunning career.
The former All Black and NRL star opened up on his off-field antics during the early stages of his career and the way it's guided him today in an in-depth interview with BBC Sport.
Williams inked a lucrative deal to become the Toronto Wolfpack's marquee player for their inaugural Super League season, signing a two-year contract believed to be worth a whopping $10 million.
It brought an end to the latest chapter, with the All Blacks' World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of England pulling the curtains on the 34-year-old's near 10-year relationship with New Zealand Rugby.
More: Reagan Campbell-Gillard's revealing story behind Panthers exit
As one of sport's most polarising figures, the start to Williams' career saw him in the headlines not just for his freakish ability, but his off-field antics as well.
The cross-code star shed light on how he found the right path in Islam, and what the way it has impacted him in the later stages of his career.
“Look, I chased girls. I drank alcohol, spent lavishly and thought I was someone that I wasn’t. I lived that life and, in my experience, what did it give me? Hollowness and emptiness in my heart,” Williams told BBC Sport.
“It took a few years for the process, but I found Allah, I found Islam and it really allowed me to turn the wildness in myself into positivity.
“With the way that I have driven as a sportsman to succeed, those two together have allowed me to reach where I am today.”
“It was my duty to step up as a high profile Muslim”
— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) November 14, 2019
New Zealand rugby star @SonnyBWilliams tells @tonylivesey he wanted to “preach positivity” and “represent the Muslim community” after the Christchurch mosques attack.
@TOwolfpack #SBWTO
🎧Listen via @BBCSounds pic.twitter.com/ZXgCpAuvuv
Williams shook hands with his Toronto teammates for the first time this week, as he was unveiled in a stunning celebration at football club Arsneal's home ground, Emirates Stadium.
The significance of his signing, not just to the first North American side playing in the Super League, but the game of rugby league as a whole, has been widely celebrated.
Despite all the interest, and subsequent expectation on him to bring success, Williams says he aims to approach this next challenge just like he has with those of the past.
"I was really humbled and grateful for the opportunity. It is a really exciting opportunity for myself as a sportsman. Yes, there is a lot of pressure but what better way for a sportsman to try achieving something in this arena?
"'Legacy' is not a word that I like. I am just a guy out there who has done his best, who was real, kept it authentic, but liked to take on challenges."
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." @SonnyBWilliams met up with the rest of the Pack today for the first time and shares his excitement for the upcoming @SuperLeague season. pic.twitter.com/BCtGFkkD74
— Toronto Wolfpack (@TOwolfpack) November 13, 2019
