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Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-move-from-manly/story-e6frexnr-1226538626522
Tony Wiliams plans to continue his destructive ways in Canterbury jersey this season. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph
TONY Williams, the Bulldogs' 122kg recruit, has issued an ominous warning to NRL rivals by outlining his intention to return to his destructive best at Belmore in 2013.
In a wide-ranging interview with News Limited yesterday, Williams, 24, spoke of his lost desire at Manly this year, his plans for representative football next season, why he sees himself as an 80-minute player and the significant influence Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has over him.
POWER PLAY
Williams is itching to get back to his powerhouse best next season after a 2012 campaign interrupted by injuries, protracted contract negotiations and a seven-week ban for a spear tackle.
"At times this year I think I lacked a bit of enthusiasm," Williams said.
"If I can be consistent then obviously my game is going to be a lot better - and more destructive. If I stay away from injuries, that's when you get the best out of me. That's the goal."
MANLY
Williams played just 15 games for the Sea Eagles last season. His defection to the Bulldogs on a four-year deal after 72 games and four seasons at Brookvale was among the distractions he believes prevented him from playing his best. "I had a couple of injuries this year and the suspension meant I was out for a number of weeks. It was a slow process," he said. "It's not an excuse but I didn't get myself going and I just 'wasn't there'."
Asked whether signing with Canterbury was a factor, Williams said: "That as well. I loved Manly and was very close to the Manly boys. It (the Bulldogs deal) kind of got in the way. There were times in a game when I was good and times when I went missing. That is something I want to work on this season. Dessie has some work to do with me there."
HASLER
Williams transformed himself from a lazy fringe player to a rep star under Hasler at Manly.
The pair have now reunited - and Williams is looking forward to rekindling their relationship.
"Des has shown a lot of confidence and faith in me," Williams said. "He pretty much got the best out of me."Des really knows what he's doing. He's always positive and gets you through what you need to get through. He works you hard. But it's up to me to put in my best. Des's expertise will improve areas I need to improve on."SEASON 2013
Consistency is Williams' primary goal in a 2013 campaign that will culminate in a World Cup. The Kangaroos and Blues enforcer believes the smooth transition into life at Belmore has him well placed to realise his potential and take his representative career to new heights.
"I've settled in quicker than I thought," he said. "I know most of the boys here and grew up with a couple of them. It has been an easy move.
"I want to improve every week and make the rep teams. Origin is a big goal and the World Cup next year. I know what Origin takes and how to get there. We'll see what happens there. It's a goal of mine to make every rep team. But first I need to put in for my team."
IMPACT PLAYER
Debate raged last year as to whether Williams was better served playing the entire 80 minutes or used as an impact player. Williams prefers the former.
"Personally, I see myself as an 80-minute player," he said. "You can still have an impact if you play 80 minutes. There are times when the boys need you and that's when you find the impact."
