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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/6428496/Sonny-Bill-Williams-finds-rugby-boring-mate
Canberra Raiders trialist Dimitri Pelo isn't alone in thinking rugby union is boring, tipping Sonny Bill Williams will soon announce his conversion back to rugby league.
Born in the French territory of New Caledonia but raised on the Gold Coast, Pelo grew up playing representative rugby league against Williams.
But it was playing in the Top 14 rugby union competition in France where they bonded - over their boredom with the game.
"I signed a two-year deal in rugby in Top 14 in France, I got offered money I couldn't refuse,'' said Pelo, who played with Montpellier Harault RC.
''I gave it six months and found out it wasn't the sport for me ... I said 'I want to go back to league where I know how to play, I get more ball and I get more involved'.
''I didn't really know how top rugby was played over there, I thought it'd be the same as here. But I'd touch the ball three times a game and they'd think I'm playing real good.
''I've had a talk to him [Williams] because I played against him over there and we had the same chat - he's missing the contact and getting more involved. He was only touching the ball like five times. We had the same feeling and I'm sure he wants to come back to league, too ... I'm sure he's going to come back, I'm not sure where.''
Williams has been linked to an NRL return with the Roosters in 2013, when his one-year deal with Super 15 rugby club the Waikato Chiefs expires.
Pelo, 26, who walked out on French rugby union in 2010 only six months into a two-year contract, is just one good trial match away from signing an extended contract with the Raiders.
His training contract with the Raiders runs out at the end of this month, following a three-month trial with the club.
But it is understood the Raiders are considering offering him a one-season contract, provided he performs in this weekend's trial against the Bulldogs at Wagga Wagga.
Pelo scored a try in Canberra's opening trial win against an under-strength Melbourne Storm, but the Raiders want to see him back that up against stronger opposition.
Pelo was an Australian Schoolboys representative who played lower grades at the Cronulla Sharks and has represented France in the Four Nations.
He came to the attention of the Raiders via assistant coach Andrew McFadden, who coached Pelo when he scored 38 tries in 87 games for Super League club the Catalans Dragons.
- Canberra Times