Dual international Sonny Bill Williams already has his eyes set on the All Blacks' defence of their Rugby World Cup title next year as his days in rugby league near an end.
The Sydney Roosters back-rower is sidelined with a thumb injury for the next fortnight and has only a handful of games left in the NRL as he chases back-to-back titles for the Tricolours.
Then he returns his focus to rugby, where he won the Super Rugby title with the Crusaders and was a part of New Zealand's RWC-winning side in 2011.
Williams, 29, has rarely fronted the media this season but was a guest host on Channel Nine's Footy Show on Thursday night.
"The World Cup is coming up and I want to be a part of that," Williams said.
"That (returning to rugby) is the first step towards that goal but I'm definitely enjoying my time here."
Williams did not touch on speculation he could be included on the All Blacks' spring tour to Europe when his commitments with the Roosters end in order to fast track his return to the 15-a-side game.
Until then, he is committed to the Roosters' premiership cause.
"I am really enjoying playing and training with those boys, they have become like brothers," he said.
"Coming back (to the NRL) has been about getting respect back and I think I have done that," he said.
"The game has really helped me become the man I am not just on the field but off it."
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