The Waratahs are hoping to lure Sonny Bill Williams to New South Wales before the All Blacks rugby star signs for another 12 months with the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported yesterday that Williams had only a verbal agreement with the New Zealand union.

The Waratahs approached Williams's agents about a deal last month. At that time they were told he had been tied up for next year.

Things seem to have changed dramatically, given he has failed to sign with a New Zealand Super15 team. This year he played for the Crusaders.

"We have still got a spot or two in our squad," Waratahs CEO Jason Allen said.

"If the question is if we would ever want him in our squad if we could fulfil any financial demands - of course, without a doubt. We would be thrilled. He would be a real asset."

The paper said one of the attractions for Williams to move to Australia would be to play alongside his close friend, Quade Cooper, at the Reds.

Last month Williams said he was committed to staying in New Zealand for another year, but had already told the Crusaders he would not play for them in next year's Super 15.

Speculation at the time was he could join the Chiefs or the Blues in Auckland.

The Herald said one of the issues causing Williams to question his future in New Zealand was the minimal game time with the All Blacks.

He was dropped from the starting line-up last week against the Wallabies.