It was a decision based on more than just football. Being close to family and friends in these crazy times for one.
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But then it was also about football. Sam Williams thinks there's the chance to be part of something special with the Canberra Raiders next year.
From a footballing perspective, the easy decision would've been to take up the three-year deal offered by English Super League club Wakefield Trinity - with more opportunities to play first grade week-in, week-out.
He left the club on good terms following his season there in 2017.
But back then things were different. His parents could come and visit whenever they wanted.
Now you can't go to some states in Australia without spending two weeks locked up in a hotel.
But his decision to see out his contract with the Raiders, which runs out at the end of the 2021 NRL season, means all his friends and family will be around.
Plus, with the Green Machine making the 2019 grand final and then backing that up with a preliminary final appearance this year, there's no other place the 29-year-old wants to be.
What happens contract-wise for the future was up in the air - whether he remains at the Raiders or looks to the Super League if the coronavirus landscape improves.
"It was a tough call. I left on good terms with Wakefield over in England," Williams told The Canberra Times.
"It was a really good offer and something that I certainly don't want to rule out going forward. It just wasn't the right time with myself.
"We've got a squad here that can do something special next year and I've got a few personal goals going forward with the club.
"At this stage of your life there's a lot more to it than just football as well.
"I've got a lot of family and friends around here and things away from football that I get the opportunity to do with the Raiders.
"I do a bit with Ronald McDonald house and it's a little bit more than just football.
"The easy decision to go over there and play and get the opportunity to play more first grade was certainly tempting."
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He also gets to do things like play cricket with his mates in the summer - like he did over the weekend.
Hopefully he'll get the chance to play some football next year as well.
With the NSW Cup cancelled after one round, Williams played just two games this year with his other coming in the final round of the NRL where he got to captain his beloved Green Machine.
He felt that could prove a positive for the longevity of his career, with his body essentially getting a year off from the rigours of rugby league.
The reserve-grade competition planned to be back up and running next year - although the Raiders won't have a team in it.
No injuries in the Canberra halves has made it tough for Williams to crack the NRL side, but the return of State of Origin to the middle of the season next year could open the door.
Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton will be in the mix for the NSW Blues squad - coach Brad Fittler might even play the Dally M Medallist in his natural position for a change.
"Obviously 'Jacko' will be there again next year [for Origin]," Williams said.
"The last 18 months it's been great for the club we've had very few injuries within the halves so it hasn't given myself a lot of opportunities.
"But you've always got to be ready to be called upon and next year hopefully at some stage I will be and I can go out there and play good football and do my job."