Canberra Raiders recruit Sam Williams has no doubt he has what it takes to be a match-winning halfback in the NRL.
Williams expected to be a back-up half when he returned for his third stint at the Raiders but now he has emerged as a genuine chance to unseat Blake Austin or Aidan Sezer in round one.
Sam Williams' return gives Ricky Stuart greater options in the playmaking roles.
Photo: Rohan ThomsonHe says he doesn't mind which jersey he pulls on against the Gold Coast Titans on March 11 - whether it's No. 6, 7 or 14, Williams just wants to be there.
But when he looks at himself in the mirror and compares himself to what he was like as a 20-year-old, "there's no doubt" Williams sees a better footballer staring back at him.
"I still don't know what's going on exactly to be honest," Williams said.
"I've said to myself that I just want to control what I can throughout the pre-season and that meant training hard and trying to do everything I can to be ready to go.
"The [trial] game was just an opportunity to try and give Sticky [Ricky Stuart] some selection headaches. Whether or not I'm playing in round one or throughout the season, if it happens I just want to make sure that I'm ready to go.
"I really just want to be there, I don't mind where it is or what jersey number or anything like that. If I do get picked, I no doubt know that I've put the preparation and the work in to try and perform well in round one."
Canberra lost eight matches by six points or less last season which ultimately cost the Green Machine a spot in the finals.
Criticism was aimed at Canberra's halves, who had no one biting at their heels with 26-year-old Williams plying his trade for Wakefield in the English Super League.
Raiders captain Jarrod Croker says Williams' return gives Canberra "the sort of depth we need at the club".
That depth will prove vital for a Green Machine outfit adjusting to life without world class hooker Josh Hodgson as he mounts a comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
"I think it's a big opportunity for our halves to step up and really take control of the team and control of the game," Croker said.
"Not having Hodgo there is a massive hole but I thought the three guys that trialled there all played really well. We've got a bit of competition there now, a bit of depth, which is strong.
"I'm just looking forward to those halves and Jacko [Wighton] at the back really stepping up as well.
"Sammy has been great, he's really put the pressure on Austo and Seze, and Austo and Seze's reaction has been how well they've trained in the past couple of months.
"They're really ripping into it and buying in. I'm not sure where we'll go in round one but I'm sure it will be strong either way."
Williams is in his third stint at the Raiders on a journey that has taken him to four different clubs and three different countries since 2014.
The Cooma product says he has still got plenty of learning to do and the competition for spots with Sezer and Austin is only going to fast track his development.
"I think we all enjoy that competitive nature, whether it's on the training field or wherever we are. We have a healthy rivalry, we all enjoy it and it makes it easier coming to training," Williams said.
"Every time you go on to the training field you're improving, and I'm still trying to learn as much as possible. I'm still 26 so there's a lot of learning left."
Morning & Afternoon Newsletter
Delivered Mon–Fri.