The Bulldogs' hulking new recruit Tony Williams wasted no time settling in to his new club when he checked in for his first day of training at Belmore Sports Ground in the second week of November.
Pulling on the blue and white for the first time would have been strange to say the least, but the man dubbed ‘T-Rex’ need only look at the familiar faces around him to know he is now part of the family club.
When you consider the large crop of talented rugby league players from across Australia trying to make it at the highest level, you can appreciate the rarity of joining a new club alongside three of your childhood teammates, which is the scenario Williams has found himself in.
When asked about the coincidence Williams was quick to rebut: “It definitely wasn’t the only reason I came to the club”, he said.
But there is no doubt the prospect of reuniting with Cabramatta Junior and Westfield Sports High teammates Krisnan Inu, Trent Hodkinson and Kris Keating would have calmed first day jitters and set the scene for a massive pre-season which also sees T-Rex reunite with former head coach Des Hasler.
Williams is a current NSW and Australian representative player, who, standing at 182cm and weighing 119kg, has a reputation as one of the most damaging players in the competition.
“We're delighted to have Tony onboard,” Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg said. "He is an obvious talent and, at 23, has so much good football in front of him."
Williams will be looking to make an impact alongside the likes of Michael Ennis, Frank Pritchard, Aiden Tolman and Sam Kasiano in a sight that is sure to excite all Bulldogs members and add fear to any opposition!
Growing up in western Sydney, Williams understands the passion for rugby league especially at a traditional club like the Bulldogs, who are set to surpass their 2012 membership records.
“Members are such an important part of the game", said Williams. “We have our Members' Christmas Party coming up so I look forward to meeting our members for the first time.”
“You just have to look at the scenes in the lead-up to the grand final to see how passionate Dogs' members are. They are so loud. I am just glad they will be cheering for me instead of against me.”
With the addition of Williams, as well as some impressive Toyota Cup graduates stepping up, there will be plenty for Bulldogs members to be excited about in 2013.
Online: bulldogs.com.au/membership
In Person: Bulldogs Teamstore: Centro Bankstown Shop ML 226 Lady Cutler Drive
Phone: (02) 9789 8000
