Sonny Bill Williams had his first opportunity to meet and greet his new Toronto Wolfpack teammates in Manchester on Wednesday (NZ time).
Last week, after days of speculation, Williams confirmed he'd inked a two-year contract with the rugby league franchise. The deal is reportedly worth $NZ5 million per season, making it one of the most lucrative deals in the sport's history.
Founded in 2016, the club will debut in the UK's Super League competition next year, after earning promotion from the lower tiers.
"It was cool to meet the lads this morning," said the ex-All Blacks midfielder in a Wolfpack Instagram post. "I just congratulated them for what they've achieved so far. For myself, it's just about can I fit in and thrive in that environment."
The 34-year-old will try to lift the team to their maiden title, when the season kicks off on February 3.
"Just looking forward to the challenge. It's going to be tough, but it's already exciting and a lot of that is the unknown. You've just got to ride that wave.
"As a sportsman trying to achieve something, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Among his new colleagues are former Warriors forward Bodene Thompson, ex-Cowboy and St George prop Ashton Sims and former Kiwis representative Chase Stanley.
This will be Williams' third stint in rugby league, after previous terms with Canterbury Bulldogs from 2004-08 and Sydney Roosters from 2013-14, winning NRL titles with both.
He'll be unveiled at an official press conference at Emirates Stadium on Friday morning.
