It was a dream debut. A former Canberra player, up against his old club in his first top grade game for his new club.
In front of family and friends it was a memorable day for Jack Williams, who came through his NRL debut match with flying colours, scoring try and playing a significant role in a big Sharks win over the Raiders.
The match in Canberra last May identified Williams as a player capable of competing at an NRL level as forced his way into a star-studded Sharks forward pack.
Unfortunately, injury soon intervened, with Williams tearing a pectoral muscle, an injury that would rule him out for the remainder of the 2018 season after just four games in the top grade.
From the Cooma Colts, Williams was a standout with the Raiders Holden Cup team, winning the team's Player of the Year award in 2016 before joining the Sharks at the start of 2017.
A year with the Newtown Jets was then the forerunner to his breakout season in 2018, until injury curtailed his progress, but the seeds had been sown and now fully recovered and with another pre-season under his belt, Williams is likely to challenge for a regular spot in the Sharks 17 in 2019.
An outstanding trainer, rated by many to be one of the strongest in the gym, Sharks fans will be looking forward to the continued development of Williams in this upcoming season and in the year to come.
In this instalment in the 'Under the Surface' series, Sharks Media has a bit of fun with Williams, finding out just what makes him tick and where he would like his football to go this year, as we continue to get to know your 2019 Sharks NRL squad.
Born – September 9, 1996, Pambula, NSW
Position – Second row/lock Height – 184cm
Weight – 100kgs
NRL games – 4
NRL games for the Sharks - 4