I need to improve: Sonny Bill Williams

Sonny Bill Williams: Image Credit the Sun

Sonny Bill Williams admits he still has some way to go to get back to his best after his return to the NRL ended with a 28-10 defeat on Thursday.

The former All Black's Sydney Roosters debut was spoiled by an impressive South Sydney side but the 27-year-old, who scored a late try, said he's happy to have the game out of the way.

"Maybe people were expecting me to work some magic," Williams told the Footy Show.

"For me, it's about concentrating on the little things and doing my job well.

"There's a few things that I was bit rusty on, but it's a start."

Williams played the final 50 minutes, coming on after Souths raced into a 16-4 lead through Nathan Merritt's second of his three tries.

Greg Inglis was named man of the match after having a hand in four of his side's five scores.

The Queensland superstar says he's in the best shape of his career and the backed Williams to get better as the season progresses.

"Obviously being out for so long it's going to be difficult," Inglis said.

"But it's great having one of the best players in the world back in our game and he'll be good.

"It shows the game is going in the right direction."

Bigpond Sports  NRL.COM