SBW's image takes hit with RLWC u-turn A reputation restored by eighth months of NRL brilliance is in danger of crumbling under the feet of New Zealand superstar Sonny Bill Williams by virtue of his late addition to the Kiwis' World Cup squad. A day after saying he would sidestep the end of season tournament to rest his body, Williams was on Wednesday brought into the Kiwi 24-man squad - Melbourne back-rower Tohu Harris the unlucky fall guy. Describing breaking the news to Harris as "a conversation no coach would like to have," coach Stephen Kearney said he could not pass up the opportunity to bring in Williams. While Williams' inclusion is a boon for tournament organisers and the Kiwis, public sentiment is very much with Harris - who declined an opportunity to travel to Europe as part of the touring party. Having gone to great lengths to repair an image shattered by his clandestine exit from Canterbury in 2008, the good vibes generated by his heroics in leading the Sydney Roosters to this year's NRL premiership are quickly disappearing amidst claims the dual international thinks of himself as being bigger than the game. Williams said he felt for Harris: "I'm really sorry about the Tohu situation it was never my intention I just followed my heart, now i promise ill play with all of it." he wrote on Twitter. NZRL chief executive Phil Holden admitted Williams' action would attract criticism. "We want to win the World Cup, we want to take the best team," Holden said. He's clearly an undeniable talent, but we recognise it's a polarising decision. Just what sparked Williams' about face remains unclear, with Kearney having initially been told Williams was unavailable due to other commitments. When the squad was announced, Williams took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to wish his countrymen the best, adding he was looking forward to his first break since 2008. Then on Tuesday evening it was confirmed Williams had backflipped and now wanted to play - the Roosters back-rower again taking to social media on Wednesday to explain his actions. Taking the emotion out of the decision, it shaped as a no-brainer for Kearney. Harris - who made his Test debut against Australia in April which Williams missed due to a one-week knee injury - figured to be a fringe member of the squad, while Williams could be the key to New Zealand defending their title. Williams' about-face came without any assurances that he would remain in rugby league, but does give hope that his mooted return to Super Rugby's Chiefs in 2014 may not be a fait accompli.