T-Rex is back – and in a big way.
After a couple of years of inconsistent performances and injury-cruelled seasons, Tony Williams insists he can – and has – recaptured his finest form.
Turning in an impressive performance in a losing side last Saturday for Newtown in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW competition, man-mountain Williams says he’s ready to make an NRL return.
The three-time NSW VB Blues representative and five-time Kangaroo has impressed in his three performances for the Jets to start the 2017 season, twice earning selection in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW Team of the Week.
Williams has again been named on an extended interchange bench for his new NRL club Cronulla, and says he wouldn’t let anyone down if rewarded with a start against the Eels – the club where he made his NRL debut as a winger in 2008.
“I’m ready to go, but it’s up to the coach whether he thinks I’m good enough to play,” Williams tells NSWRL.com.au.
“If I do get that call-up, I’ll take it with two hands, and I’ll do my best for the club. It’s a club that won the competition, there’s a lot of high expectations there still.
“The team there that won last year, it’s largely the same team that ‘Flano’ (Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan) is playing.”
Tipping the scales at 120 kilograms, Williams ran for 162 first-half metres against Illawarra last Saturday, looking dangerous with every carry – and insists he would add another dimension to the Sharks’ forward pack when given the opportunity.
“There was that slight (injury) hiccup, I couldn’t get back on in that second half (against Illawarra), but it’s nothing serious,” Williams says.
“But I’m feeling good. The body felt good in that first half. I’ll be definitely right to go this weekend.
“I’m just hoping to get that NRL chance.”
