This is what the club thought of him prior to injury etc to Wolfman / Brett Stewart:-
Former Manly great Noel Cleal has described Williams as a player similar to Panthers and Kiwis forward Frank Pritchard.
Parramatta boss Denis Fitzgerald made note that the Eels developed Williams over the last four years, he is a local junior (also pointed out by Cleal) and that Manly's offer was close to double to what the Eels offered.
Below are the two press releases.
MANLY PRESS RELEASE
The Manly Sea Eagles today won the race to sign boom Parramatta under 20's star Tony Williams to a three year contract.
Williams is described by Manly's recruitment manager Noel Cleal as a 'Frank Pritchard' type player and a future star of the NRL.
"This kid is all power and an explosive player who can play centre but is probably going to make his mark as a back rower playing on the edge as he matures," Cleal said.
"We are delighted he has chosen to join us - a half a dozen clubs were chasing his signature,"Cleal said. At 193 cms and 106 kg, Williams is a giant of a young man and a talented goal kicker with an 80 per cent success rate. He is a Cabramatta junior and is regarded as the gun player in Parramatta's elite Toyota Cup side (under 20's)."
Williams was impressed with Manly's training and coaching facilities at the Sydney Academy of Sport when given a recent tour of the complex. Manly CEO Grant Mayer said Williams signing was a major investment in the future. "Williams is an elite youngster with an exciting future - it's a credit to our coaching and recruitment group that they can attract a young player with his ability to the club.
"Coming on top of the signing last week of Newcastle Knights five eighth Chris Bailey it has been an excellent week off the field for the club," Mr Mayer said.
