If Sonny Bill Williams wants to be a true champion then he must ride out the tough times and honour his Bulldogs contract.

That is the opinion of former Bulldogs champion Steve Mortimer who says the confused 22-year-old Kiwi Test star needs to put premiership success ahead of dollars.

The former Dogs CEO doubts Williams is prepared to walk out on the club to pursue rugby union interest in Europe but has challenged him to not simply cut and run when the going is tough.

"If you're unhappy sometimes you've got to cope with things," said Mortimer.

"Life is not all roses and I think the sign of a champion, as is Sonny Bill, is if things aren't happy then you work through it.

"Whether it be destabilising (to the club) or not, it sums up the character of the person.

"I would like to think they would get through this or whatever so that the ultimate in rugby league is not so much the money it's the premiership."

Among the list of grievances Williams apparently has with the club is the belief his five-year $2 million deal signed last year is below his value.

The lengthy deal was struck at Williams' request after turning down an initial offer of $1.5 million over three years.

Mortimer is mortified that the marquee player could be upset that he is not earning his worth.

"Is he under-paid? Geez I would love to have the money that Sonny is on," said Mortimer.

"It's not for me to answer that, but I can say it is a hell of a lot more than back in my time."

But Mortimer is adamant the club should not let him out of his deal.

"He is probably the best player in the competition, why would the team whether it be the Bulldogs or anyone else let someone like him go," he said.

"I don't believe he wants to go anyway.

"I like him, he is definitely potential leadership material and can certainly lead the Bulldogs to becoming a real force again in the near future.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him perform and on the back of his talents and the Bulldogs recruiting some more players that they will be a force in the near future."

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