NRL lifeline: Why Parramatta coach Brad Arthur saved Tony Williams from extinction
Former Sharks backrower Tony Williams makes a break.Source: News Corp AustraliaWhile Williams started his career with Parramatta, their paths had never intersected.
Yet despite a horror run with injury and years of lacklustre form, Arthur was willing to meet with the man nicknamed ‘T-Rex’.
The truth is, in recent seasons Williams has been less of a monster and more of a man facing NRL extinction.
After one season with Cronulla where he tore his ACL, he wasn’t offered a new contract from the club.
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Still, Arthur wanted to hear what the giant had to say.
With no preconceived ideas of who Williams was or what he was about, the Eels mentor listened.
It took 60 seconds before Arthur knew he was going to offer him a contract.
Tony Williams celebrates a try for the Bulldogs.Source: News Corp Australia“Once the season finished I met with him,” Arthur told foxsports.com.au.
“I could see he was determined and he knew it was make or break for him.
“He felt like he had more than one year left in him and you can tell he needs to make a real go of it and knew what he has to do to get himself right physically.
“It’s not football. You don’t forget how to play football. Physically with his knee and weight and fitness he knows what he has to do to play well.
“I could see determination in him.
“He didn’t want to go and finish his career overseas. He wants to play for many more years to come. He’s not ready to give it up yet.”
It’s a low risk play for the Eels coach.
Tony Williams in his second NRL match playing on the wing.Source: News LimitedOn his best day, the backrower is one of the most damaging ball runners in the game.
A former Test and Origin star, Williams is till only 29.
He’s also leaner than ever before.
In fact, the last time he was this trim, he was playing on the wing.
Offered a bottom dollar wage, Williams has everything to play for.
While the bigger money option would’ve been to move to England, Arthur said Williams didn’t want to entertain the idea of leaving the NRL.
In fact, the player himself believes he has another couple of years to mix it in the premier competition and it’s that kind of self-belief which excites Arthur.
“He’s going well. His attitude is excellent. He’s one of the first blokes to training all the time,” he said.
“He’s doing extras. He still hasn’t joined the main group but he’s 122 kilos. He’s skinner than he’s been since he’s 19.
Tony Williams playing for the Bulldogs.Source: News Corp Australia“He’s got a real determination about him. He knows he needs to make a go of it.”
The addition of the experienced Williams has helped soften the void left by the retirement of veteran Frank Pritchard.
Blessed for choice in the backrow, including the possible switch of Brad Takairangi from centre to backrow to accommodate for the arrival of Jarryd Hayne, competition for spots are at a premium.
While injuries will inevitably force change, Arthur hasn’t promised any single position, stressing that training and trial form will determine his team for the season opener against Penrith on March 11.
“They’re all looking around,” Arthur said.
“They know there’s competition for spots. That creates a healthy competitive environment. The team picks itself. If they want to be in the team, they’ll be in the team.”
Replies
I think a few would feel that way Bris; i think if he can get TRex on the field in NRL it will be good; i hope we can get him for 7 or so games; then build from there.
He wasn’t always that way BE. He was Tarzan at Manly.
The bit that had me sit up was BA's knowing after only a minute that he would sign him up.
I really get the impression that TRex is hurting internally and knows what he has to do to get his RL career back on track. The factors also is that he says he's not ready for the English jaunt which also has been the last resort for many NRL players and not just aged ones either, little doubt to me that BA saw a determination in this person.
While he is still recovering from injury the aspect that he is one of the first there for training has to be a positive and at 122Kg but looking thinner, possibly meaning he is a fit 122Kg will be awesome to see him back and using his overall size for the benefit of the team.
Other thing in the article that is mentioned and something said by others here is Taka's likely move to the forwards.
It didn’t say he was likely to move into the forwards Colin, just that it was an option.
having attended several training sessions during the school holidays, i can confirm he is as trim as i have seen him, doing really well at his rehab and very very engaged with everything.
Michael, I tend to think if he ends up in the top squad he is likely to be an a big impact player off the bench.
He'd definitely be a good impact player. He's also got good hands and footwork for a big man, so perhaps giving Tep a rest would be the way they'd look to use him. Our bench could have some serious impact next season if we go with 2 props and 2 backrowers:
14. Evans
15. Alvaro
16. Edwards
17. Williams
It's interesting that players with something to prove are coming to Parra. I think that says something about the culture BA has built, ie if you work hard you will be rewarded, but there are no loafers. BA inherited too many loafers, but it seems he now has a team that is fully committed. If he can get the best out of each player, the results will come.
1 - french
2 - Willams
et cetera....
Haha
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