12 Mar 10 @ 05:13pm by JASON AVEDISSIAN
GIANT Manly centre Tony Williams has warned the Tigers he is looking to repeat one of the most explosive tries of the 2009 season when the Sea Eagles kick-off their NRL campaign on Monday night.
Williams scored one of the most damaging individual tries last winter when he steamrolled over six Tigers in a devastating 35m run to the line.
It was one of the few highlights of Williams’ debut season at the Sea Eagles, with the Eels junior spending most of the year in the Queensland Cup.
But now the 21-year-old has enjoyed an injury-free pre-season and is ready to again torment the Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium on Monday night.
“When I look back on it (that try), I just wish I could put my head down and do stuff like that all the time,†Williams told The Manly Daily on Friday.
“I want to try and player harder and do that as much as I possibly can this year, big plays like that.
“It was a disappointing season (last year) and it wasn’t helped with injuries. I’m starting from scratch now and hopefully will have a big year.â€Â
Manly coach Des Hasler said he had no hesitation about promoting Williams into the unfamiliar role in the centres.
The youngster did play there during his Toyota Cup days at Parramatta, but Hasler now believes he can transfer his skills into the NRL.
“He’s been training really well and all aspects of his game are coming together,†the coach said.
“He’s had as good a preparation as anyone and is looking good.
“He wouldn’t have been happy with where he finished in reserve grade (last year), but he can hold down a full-time spot now, that’s what he’s got to do.
“There’s plenty of competition there. Ben Farrar is not far away and he’s a contender too.â€Â
Williams said facing the light-footed Tigers’ backs will be a genuine challenge for him and his Manly mates.
“They always play a fast-paced game,†Williams said. “I’m up-against Chris Lawrence and he’s really a fast player. I have to adapt to that. It’s a privilege for me personally to get a start.â€Â
GIANT Manly centre Tony Williams has warned the Tigers he is looking to repeat one of the most explosive tries of the 2009 season when the Sea Eagles kick-off their NRL campaign on Monday night.
Williams scored one of the most damaging individual tries last winter when he steamrolled over six Tigers in a devastating 35m run to the line.
It was one of the few highlights of Williams’ debut season at the Sea Eagles, with the Eels junior spending most of the year in the Queensland Cup.
But now the 21-year-old has enjoyed an injury-free pre-season and is ready to again torment the Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium on Monday night.
“When I look back on it (that try), I just wish I could put my head down and do stuff like that all the time,†Williams told The Manly Daily on Friday.
“I want to try and player harder and do that as much as I possibly can this year, big plays like that.
“It was a disappointing season (last year) and it wasn’t helped with injuries. I’m starting from scratch now and hopefully will have a big year.â€Â
Manly coach Des Hasler said he had no hesitation about promoting Williams into the unfamiliar role in the centres.
The youngster did play there during his Toyota Cup days at Parramatta, but Hasler now believes he can transfer his skills into the NRL.
“He’s been training really well and all aspects of his game are coming together,†the coach said.
“He’s had as good a preparation as anyone and is looking good.
“He wouldn’t have been happy with where he finished in reserve grade (last year), but he can hold down a full-time spot now, that’s what he’s got to do.
“There’s plenty of competition there. Ben Farrar is not far away and he’s a contender too.â€Â
Williams said facing the light-footed Tigers’ backs will be a genuine challenge for him and his Manly mates.
“They always play a fast-paced game,†Williams said. “I’m up-against Chris Lawrence and he’s really a fast player. I have to adapt to that. It’s a privilege for me personally to get a start.â€Â