Sonny Bill Williams has revealed that he has spoken to Australia international Quade Cooper about switching codes to rugby league.

Cooper has been the subject of criticism in Australia for inconsistent performances but Williams has been quick to defend the talented fly-half.

"If people are saying he is not wanted in rugby... if they think he is not good enough to be playing for Australia then I would love to lure him across to rugby league for a year," Williams told Australia's Sunday Telegraph.

"I will try. I would definitely love to play alongside him. I think he would be a success - I have spoken to him about it."

Williams added: "I don't have to make a case for him, you just have to click on YouTube to see what he is capable of."

Williams is currently with Japan's Panasonic Wild Knights.