BRASH young Dragons five-eighth Richie Williams has lit a fuse ahead of today's Anzac Day clash with the Roosters, claiming that his opposite, Braith Anasta, is a mere shadow of the player he once was.
Williams, who has himself recently come under criticism from fans and the Dragons coaching staff for inconsistent form, said Anasta was not as good as when he was voted the game's most overrated player in Rugby League Week players' polls in 2003, 2005 and 2006.
"I used to watch him growing up," Williams, 20, said of his 25-year-old rival. "He was doing some good things back then. If you are in first grade, you must be doing something right - so I think [the overrated tag] was unfair, but he is not as good as he was back then, trust me.
"He is still pretty good, but I want to get over the top of him. To outplay him is definitely the goal."
As if that wasn't enough to rile the Roosters for the traditional encounter, Williams has predicted they will finish last in the competition this season after five consecutive losses to start the year.
"The way they are going, you would have to say they'll win the wooden spoon. I think they'll hit some form during the season, but the way they are going now, they'll come last," Williams said.
"We will beat them for sure. We've got good, experienced players in the team; a lot of speed in the back line. We have to win this game. We've only won one all year and they haven't won any."
