MANLY great Terry Randall has rejected suggestions Tony Williams is in for a torrid time at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday afternoon, believing the former Eel is “more than capable” of containing centre pairing Timana Tahu and Joel Reddy.

After a mixed showing in the loss to the Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium on Monday, the knives are already out for the 21-year-old.

But the four-time premiership winner believes “T-Rex” is up to the task.

“I had a close look at him the other night and he wasn’t far off his best,” Randall said.

“His first half especially was good, he looked to involve himself and looked the part in defence.

“In the second half the Tigers got a roll on and he had a couple of bad reads, but it was the first game of the year - it happens.

“If the Parramatta boys want to target him, that’s fine, I won’t have a problem with that.”

After arriving at Brookvale Oval from the golden west last season with a big profile, the utility has endured some tough times as Hasler has looked to find his best position.

He showed glimpses of his potential when playing for Manly’s feeder cup squad in the Queensland Cup, scoring nine tries in 12 appearances for the Sunshine Coast Eagles.

Former Sea Eagles flyer Craig Hancock believes the key is perseverance.

“If you keep shifting him around to different parts of the field obviously his confidence is going to be shot,” he said.

“Centres these days are getting bigger and he certainly fits that mould.

“I have no doubt he is the man for the job, he is a huge human who can cause a lot of damage out wide and hits very hard in defence.

“Once he has the backing of the coaching staff and gets a few games under his belt, he will be fine.”

Former Sea Eagles centre Darrell Williams believes Tony Williams is definitely a first grade footballer, and it won’t be long till everyone sees why.

The Sea Eagles will this morning find out if they will lose a further two players for tomorrow afternoon’s clash.

The club would not confirm the identity of the back and forward, but it’s believed they are struggling to pass fit for the Eels game.

The injury concerns follow this week’s double blow with winger David Williams (broken collarbone) and Brett Stewart both out for extended periods.