Sonny Bill Williams may be available, after all, for New Zealand World Cup defence

Sonny Bill Williams was reportedly poised to make a dramatic backflip and declare himself available for New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup, after initially snubbing the side.

The dual rugby international was omitted from the 24-man Kiwis squad named on Tuesday after telling selectors he had "other commitments" and would not be going to the October 26 to November 30 tournament. But reports from Sydney hours after the announcement said the code-hopping 28-year-old had experienced a last-minute change of heart and wanted to help the Kiwis defend the title they won in 2008.

The initial snub intensified speculation that he was poised to return to rugby union after winning the National Rugby League grand final with the Sydney Roosters at the weekend.

He had been coy about his intentions since the victory over the Manly Sea Eagles, with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Super Rugby champions the Waikato Chiefs keen to regain his services.

The official team sheet released by the New Zealand Rugby League said only that Williams had not been considered due to “other commitments” and coach Stephen Kearney refused to elaborate on the player’s plans.

“I’m sure we’d all like to know what they are, but we’ll hear about that in the next two or three weeks,” Kearney said.

“There would be no point asking me what his other commitments are because I don’t know.”