Sonny Bill Williams is said to be heartbroken at the Kiwis’ loss to Australia in the Rugby League World Cup.

While the entire Kiwis team were disappointed to come second in this morning’s match, it became quickly apparent after the game that the league superstar was in trouble.

“Sonny Bill feels it more than we do,” said Williams’ teammate Shaun Johnson. “I’m gutted that we lost, because I’ve dreamt of holding aloft that trophy since I was a kid. There were a few tears from some of the boys in the changing shed afterwards.

“But it’s worse for Sonny Bill. I don’t know how he’s going to cope.”

“I put my heart and soul into this campaign, and I’m shattered and emotionally a bit of a wreck,” said the team’s captain Simon Mannering.

“But I’m not Sonny Bill, so it doesn’t really matter. Poor guy.”

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney agreed. “He really wanted to see if the rugby league trophy was as heavy as the rugby one he got to hold up in 2011. Now he’ll never know. What has the guy got to look forward to now, apart from several more years of being a highly paid sporting superstar?

“Mate, I feel about as low as a man can feel after a thumping like that, but I’ve decided to man up and take it on the chin. I’m hurting inside, and it’s a wound that goes to my very soul, but we all need to be strong for Sonny Bill.”