POWERFUL Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has doused speculation linking Sonny Bill Williams with a shock return to the club for this years finals.

“It’s news to me,” Politis said.

“As far as I’m aware he’s contracted to play rugby union in New Zealand.

“We love Sonny and we’ll always love Sonny. But I’m not sure where this has come from.”

Round 20

The SBW talk has swept around rugby league in the last 24 hours after one-time Rooster Jimmy Smith stated “the deal is done” on Sydney radio.

But question marks remain about whether the NRL would allow the Roosters to register any contract prior to its June 30 deadline.

As it stands at the moment, Williams would still be contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Auckland Blues.

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Turning 33 in August, Williams last played for the Roosters in 2014 and has long been expected to make a return before hanging up the boots.

Former Roosters forward turned media personality Smith told the Big Sports Weekend on Sunday that the backrower will be back in Bondi before the finals with the Super Rugby final set for August 4.

While there’s a World Cup in 2019, Smith claims Williams has been told he’s not part of the All Blacks’ plans for their upcoming campaign which has paved the way for his comeback.

The Roosters have added Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco to their roster this season but the release of Mitchell Pearce means they have the salary cap space to accommodate Williams’ return.

“The mail is good,” Smith said.

“From what I understand the deal is done. It will be a short stint at the end of the Super Rugby season.”

In Williams’ last appearance for the Roosters, he spent two seasons with the club, playing a major role in their 2013 premiership success.

The title ended an 11-year premiership drought but Williams’ professionalism is still being felt by the club.

The dual-code superstar then helped defend the title with a minor premiership before returning to rugby.

The decision makers of the Roosters believe Williams’ two years helped establish their culture and the high standards they set today.