The Serve

Memo: Richie Williams. Please get some cred before you slam better opponents

What an extraordinary collection of statements from Dragons five-eighth Richie Williams. On the eve of the ANZAC day clash, Williams decided to attack Roosters opposite Braith Anasta. In referring to Braith’s early days, when he was Richie’s age, the five time first grade player told the Sydney Morning Herald: “He was doing some good things back then….but he is not as good as he was back then, trust me”.

Whoa, Richie, time for a reality check.

Braith has won a premiership. Braith has played seven origin clashes, including a stint in last years series. Braith has worn the green and gold four times. What have you done, Richie? He has a terrific CV. You have pimples. Confidence is a terrific asset, but obviously we’ve all had our backs turned while you turned into Darren Lockyer.

The tirade didn’t end there.

Williams focussed his attack on the rest of the Roosters team, “We will beat them for sure…they’ll come last”. Oh dear. Considering the Dragons are 1 and 4 and are a genuine spoon possibility, that’s the sort of comment which can easily bite back. Wonder how his teammates are feeling about him in the sheds afternoon? It has shades of Jamie Foxx’s character in Any Given Sunday. His sudden rise led to a swelled head and derision. Steamin Willie Beaman had his car chainsawed in half. Lesson learned.

The Dragons may very well win this afternoon. It won’t mean Williams was justified by his burst. This will be a good test for the Dragons leadership. Will they let the kid roam free or knock him down to size? Remember this is a club that tolerated the antics of Anthony Mundine.