Sporting icon Sonny Bill Williams was a trailblazer throughout his wildly successful, multi-faceted on-field career.
And the rugby, league and now boxing star hopes his foray into the commentary booth will prove similarly inspirational for those who might not have had a voice in previous generations.
"I know I represent a lot of young Polynesian boys, Kiwi boys who represent so much on the field and when it comes to off the field we're not really in this space," Williams told Nick McArdle after signing on as a rugby and NRL commentator for Stan Sport and Nine's Wide World of Sport.
"So just being able to jump into that space and see how we go, is what I'm looking forward to the most."
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Williams, 35, officially hung up the football boots this week after a unique and glittering career that netted two Rugby World Cup titles, two NRL premierships and countless headlines.
He will continue to pursue his goal of becoming a boxing world champion while offering what he says will be a fresh perspective and insight on screen and behind the microphone.
But with a young family, loads of dough and human rights and social activism ambitions, the question is why?
"Before I decided to step into this space I just asked myself that simple question – is it going to be challenging?
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"And the answer was an overwhelming yes," Williams said.
"I'm a big believer in without any challenge, there's no growth.
"I'm just excited to speak about my view and how I see the game.
"Because I watch a lot of games, I hear the commentators and they're not far off but sometimes my views and how I see things don't really add up to what they're seeing.
"So it's just a different point of view and I think I need to do that."
Williams will also maintain an active involvement in the NRL as a well qualified mentor for Sydney Roosters teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii.
But the All Blacks great believed entering the media would take him out of his comfort zone and act as a beacon to the Pasifika community.
"I think I need to be in that space and giving that because it'll show a lot of my people that we can thrive in this space as well," Williams said.
"I think naturally I was always going to step into this type of space, this type of work but I needed the kick up the backside to do it.
"I could have just gone away and lived a comfortable, quiet life but like my sporting career, I've never been one just to sit back and let it go past.
"So when this opportunity arose I knew I had to take it with both hands.
"Although it's a little bit daunting, it's exciting at the same time so I'm pretty keen to see how it all goes."
Williams' full interview with McArdle will air exclusively on Stan Sport's Rugby Heaven on Tuesday at 8pm AEDT.
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