Williams faces brother in return from unlucky break
Brad Walter
February 8, 2011
MANLY cult hero David Williams will take the first steps towards reclaiming his NSW wing spot when he returns from a year-long lay-off opposite older brother John in Friday night's trial against Cronulla at Brookvale Oval.
After capping a stunning 2008 season by forcing his way into Australia's World Cup team, Williams played in the final two Origin matches of 2009 but did not see any action last year due to a shoulder injury.
It was a frustrating time for Williams, as he had initially been expected to miss just 10 weeks after dislocating his collarbone in a collision at training on the eve of the Sea Eagles' round-one match against Wests Tigers but the 24-year-old aggravated the injury and never made it back on to the field.
However, he has now fully recovered, and was yesterday named by Manly coach Des Hasler to make his comeback on Friday night against the Sharks.
Coincidentally, he will be lining up against brother John, who is also hoping for a fresh start after joining Cronulla from North Queensland.
Williams is one of just two players earmarked by Hasler to play the full match, with boom Kiwis playmaker Kieran Foran pencilled in for half a match at five-eighth and half at halfback.
Foran will share the scrumbase duties with rookies Daly Cherry-Evans and Garry Ricardi.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan is expected to name his side tomorrow but five-eighth Wade Graham (hamstring) will not play, while fellow new recruit Jeremy Smith is likely to be rested.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...return-from-unlucky-break-20110207-1ak83.html
