A young fella snuck out on to the field somehow, but when he was coming up to give me a hug, he got smoked by the guard. He was lucky the guy didn't break his ribs.
— Sonny Bill Williams
I grew up in a commissioned house in the next suburb over, Mount Abbot. It was a two-bedroom house with me, my brother, and my two sisters. Mum and Dad slept in the lounge, and we didn't have wallpaper.
It doesn't matter what you look like. Experience is the key.
I've got confidence that I'll be able to pick it up eventually, but that's the reason I'm a full-time Sevens player this year: because I knew coming into it that it would be really tough, and I've got to give it my all.
My mindset at this stage, especially after having a daughter... it's just changed my whole outlook.
Now I am just focusing on my daughter, my wife, religion, and training.
I was never going to be a rocket scientist. But I found the field that I was blessed to be able to do, and I just put my whole effort into that.
All I want is respect.
I like the challenge, week in, week out, of trying to play good, consistent footy.
Every time you step out on that field, it's tough. There is no easy way to approach it and no short cuts out there.
I really wanted to come into the Olympics.
When I first went to rugby, I wanted it all; I just wanted it all, and you know, I thought it was just going to happen just like that, but I've come to learn that good things take time.
If you go about trying to please everyone, there's going to be endless struggles.
You can't have eyes on the wall, or the angels won't come in. That's what we believe.
OK, I floss, I brush my teeth, and I use mouth wash. Does that mean that I love it? That means that I, you know, like to look after my teeth!
I don't need a pool room with medals and everything hanging up.
I think I'm evolving, I'm always in search of bettering myself, how I can improve as a sportsman and as a person.
One of my major goals off the field is to conduct myself in a way that... parents are proud to say, 'Oh yeah, look, he wants to be like Sonny Bill Williams.'
I'm a lot more comfortable in the ring. I'm comfortable catching punches, and defensively, I feel like I've improved a lot. I am banking on my athleticism. I've worked hard on my footwork.
That's the beautiful thing about being a father for the first time; it has really made me get my concentration levels in check.
My biggest challenge for myself is to be the best father I can be and be the best husband I can be.
The biggest thing for me is earning the respect of my fellow players and coaches. I think that is why I was a little bit emotional. You don't get a haka done to you from the brothers for no reason if they don't respect you.
Sometimes they are big hurdles, but good players can overcome them. I am trying to do my best.
I've had an amazing ride. I've been blessed beyond things that I could never have imagined.
I love winning, and I love the challenge.
I don't want to let my family down; I don't want to let myself down. That's probably the biggest thing I fear.
I've become a true Muslim. It's giving me happiness. It's made me become content as a man and helped me to grow. I've just got faith in it, and it has definitely helped me become the man I am today.
It's been a long while, but, thank God, now I've been able to get my mum a house.
You always have your knockers. There's always something wrong. But I'm happy. I think that I'm improving as a fighter; that's all I can ask for.
I didn't feel that I really fit in anywhere. So when I was young I always had to prove myself through my sporting ability.
I've definitely got to look after myself first and foremost.
For myself, it's trying to do my best in whatever I am doing. At this time, it is boxing; then when I get home, I want to be the best father, the best husband, the best man I can be.
Beforehand you think, 'Oh, changing nappies - I'm going to be up; I need to get sleep for training.' But when it happens, when you're there, as soon as you hear a wiggle or a cough or something, you're up straight away. It doesn't bother you.
The pleasing thing is being able to be in an environment where, even though I'm a rookie, everyone wants to help you out.
People have goodness in their hearts.
The thing I enjoy is that I have come to league as a union player, and I have to adapt to different situations I am facing.
To be part of something special, to be an Olympian and have the chance to win a medal - it's an amazing feeling.
After that first month in Sydney, I went home for two weeks. I didn't want to ever go back because it was so hard.
I just don't want to fail, to be honest.
One thing I've learned over my career is that simplicity is the key: on the field, off as well.
