WIN Stadium officials are collectively holding their breath in the hope that newly signed Rooster Sonny Bill Williams will play in Wollongong next season.
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The rugby league world was abuzz yesterday when Williams confirmed a one-year deal with the Bondi-based club, ending months of ongoing speculation.
With the NRL due to release a detailed draw for the first 20 rounds of the 2013 season this week, WIN Entertainment Centre general manager Stuart Barnes said hosting Williams next season would be a huge coup for the region.
"We're yet to hear anything yet, but there's always a real value for marquee players to visit the region," Barnes said.
"We saw it particularly when the Knights were playing in Wollongong and the Johns brothers [Andrew and Matthew] were a part of that team.
"We found that people would come out especially to see those type of players, and they do tend to help the sales. Some of our highest figures to date have come from having a marquee name present, definitely."
Barring injury or suspension, the Dragons are poised to line up against Williams in their traditional Anzac Day clash against the Roosters on Thursday, April 25.
A Dragons spokeswoman said yesterday that the club was still awaiting the draw release, which will ultimately decide if and when the two teams would meet again next year, and which club would be allocated home ground advantage.