Sonny Bill Williams hopes to get onside with his rugby playing peers in New Zealand as soon as possible - though the league convert's desire for a place at next year's World Cup is unlikely to be universally welcomed.

All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu - and to a lesser extent Luke McAlister and Stephen Donald - probably greet Williams' deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union less than enthusiastically given the 24-year-old sees himself as an inside centre at test level.

Williams, whose rugby education started alongside former All Blacks' captain Tana Umaga in France, confirmed he felt most comfortable in the No.12 jersey after two contrasting seasons at Toulon.

The would-be double international also played centre and blindside flanker during a stint in Europe that ended with Thursday's commitment to the NZRU until the end of 2011.

"I've still got a lot to learn but I really enjoyed playing 12," he said, adding he would be happy to fit in anywhere.

Should Williams impress when the domestic provincial competition starts next month, he could fragment the established first choice All Black midfield of Nonu and centre Conrad Smith.

Williams is an imposing figure at 1.93-metres tall and 109kg, a similar playing weight to Nonu (104kg) and the similarities between the rookie and the 46-test veteran do not end there.

Nonu is not renowned for his tactical kicking and Williams on Friday admitted that facet was also a weak point of his game. They prefer ball in hand.

"That's my only problem brother, I just like getting the ball," Williams confessed.

He hopes to launch his All Black career on the end of year tour to Hong Kong, the UK and Ireland from late October though realised the trip was no formality.

"I'm not saying I'm going be the best player or I'm making this team or that team."

Williams admitted he was edgy about how his return home would be welcomed by current All Blacks - many of which will be on smaller contracts than his reputed $550,000 per season deal.

He hadn't spoken to Daniel Carter or Richie McCaw before signing with the NZRU but reckoned they would be supportive.

"They're great players, they're Kiwis like myself and they'll respect the fact I'm going back to have a try," he said.

Williams would not be drawn on his chances of success: "At this stage it's just a big dream. It's a new chapter of my life and I'm really looking forward to it.

"Just like the next bloke, I want to see how I go over there.

"If I don't make it, at least I gave myself a chance."

Williams would not rule out a return to Toulon, who enticed him to stay with a $6 million deal over three years.

"They understand because the All Blacks is a big opportunity. I left on pretty good circumstances.

"Thank God I'm young enough to have a few options after the World Cup if I'm playing good footy."

Williams initially made an inauspicious transition from league to rugby.

His first season was disrupted by injury but once the compartment syndrome which prevented him training or playing was correctly diagnosed, he enjoyed a more fruitful 2009-10.

"I played 18-20 games in a row," he said.

"In the games you're learning but the day in, day out grind of training with guys like Jonny Wilkinson and Tana really helped my confidence and helped me grow as a player."

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