Macarthur RL: Former NRL star Tony Williams to captain-coach South West Goannas in new year

Since forming in 2019, the South West Goannas rugby league club has had its share of ups and downs. Now, with a former Origin star upfront and new facilities on the horizon, the Macarthur club is primed for growth.

WHEN founder Mark Baird formed the South West Goannas club four years ago, the president’s long term vision was to expand the growth of rugby league in the Macarthur region.

After fielding a first grade side in the old Group 6 competition in 2021, the club’s top team slid back to the second-tier for last season’s inaugural Macarthur Conference Competition.

Following an undefeated 2022 and the majority backing of the other 10 top grade clubs, last week, the Goannas application to rejoin the top-tier was officially signed off by the NSW Rugby League.

In 2023 the Goannas, headed by former Origin star and NRL premiership winner Tony ‘T-Rex’ Williams, will compete in an 11-team competition that also includes the returning Narellan Jets.

With an aim to foster growth on family values, Baird who originates from the south-west Riverina town of Hay, remains loyal to the club’s formative roots.

South West Goannas Rugby League Club ahead of the 2023 season, L-R Mark Baird - club president, Tony Williams - captain/coach, Korj Kadir - junior vice president. Picture: Jason Hosken (News Corp Australia)

“The Goannas wouldn’t be in the position they are today without the support of Group 6 president Grahame Andrews, the Group 6 clubs and our loyal sponsors,” Baird said.

With reinstatement the work for Baird and his team has just begun. Now responsible for the development of a junior league that services the region bounded by Oran Park and Leppington, the club is racing to develop appropriate facilities.

“Our senior sides currently operate out of Camden Showground, but plans are underway to develop a hub at Catherine Fields that includes playing and training facilities,” the club president said.

“Camden Council have committed to the design and approval of a Catherine Field master plan to support the code’s development in the region, and have agreed to meet the club early in the new year.”

Tony Williams of the South West Goannas during his days with Picton Magpies, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.

For Williams, the 170-game NRL wrecking ball, his commitment to South West is for the long haul despite battling hamstring issues at the Picton Magpies last season.

“With the right treatment and recovery processes, I think I can go another five seasons – my body has adapted to changes throughout my entire 15-year career,” a relaxed Williams told NewsLocal.

Inspired by the club’s family oriented approach and Baird’s commitment to the game, the booming backrower committed to the Goannas well before confirmation of the club’s top grade reinstatement.

“It’s a family club and I like the image they have going forward. That and the chance to help the kids coming through, the coaching aspect was a big factor.” Williams said.

“I want to pass on knowledge to the younger boys and help them get to a better place.”

Tony Williams for the Kangaroos, Tonga and NSW Blues.

Known for a placid demeanour, the former Tongan international was quick to hose down speculation he doesn't have the voice of a first grade coach.

“I'm pretty fair as long as you’re doing your job,” he said. “If you don’t, then I’ll give you a kick up the back side - I don’t mean to intimidate but I’m pretty big,” he said with a laugh.

Now 34, Williams is focused on progressing his coaching aspirations one step at a time.

But having helped the likes of Manly’s Josh Schuster through their formative years, he’s confident he has what it takes to manage a roster that already includes several rising stars from the SG Ball competition.

For Baird, it’s just another piece in the club’s revival.

“Now that we are back in first grade, we expect to be announcing several more big signings in the coming weeks.”