Tony Williams: Former NRL star joins Picton Magpies in Macarthur Conference for 2022

It is a T-Rex resurrection with one of the most destructive and powerful ball runners in recent times set to resume his rugby league career with bush footy club Picton Magpies.

It is a T-Rex resurrection with one of the most destructive and powerful ball runners in recent times set to resume his rugby league career with bush footy club Picton Magpies.

Tony Williams, a former NRL premiership winner, NSW Origin representative and Tongan international, has signed to play in the Macarthur Conference – formerly known as Group 6 – for the 2022 season.

Former NRL player Tony Williams has signed on for the Picton Magpies in 2022. Picture: Facebook

Williams played 170 NRL games for the Canterbury Bulldogs, Manly Sea Eagles, Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels across a ten-year career, which included three State of Origin appearances.

His NRL career ended in 2018 after a second positive illicit drug test led to the Eels ripping up his contract.

Tony Williams last played in the NRL in 2018. Picture: Brendan Esposito

Tony Williams was one of the most damaging ball runners in recent times. Picture: Brett Costello

In May last year, Williams took to social media to support close friend Jarryd Hayne after he was jailed for five years and eight months for sexual assault, with an Instagram post ridiculing the victim and the justice system for sending “an innocent brotherly to jail.” He had contracts with Windsor Wolves in the Ron Massey Cup and a 2022 contract with US-based New York Freedom terminated as a result.

He later apologised on social media and told TheSydney Morning Herald he was scolded by his mum for his comments.

Jarryd Hayne and Tony Williams with the NSW Origin team. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Williams stint with the Picton Magpies will be his first rugby league foray since the controversial comments.

First grade coach Jake Tonitto said Williams joining the Magpies was “huge” for the Picton community.

“To sign a player of Tony’s calibre is really pleasing,” he said. “He’s a huge acquisition for our club, the playing group, and our community in general.

“Tony will bring experience that can’t be coached, both on-and-off the field. I look forward to working with him.”

Picton Magpies president Gary Dowse said the signing of Williams would bolster the development of the squad’s younger players.

“We’re excited to have Tony commit to the Magpies for 2022, he brings with him a wealth of experience which will be of great benefit to our younger players” he said.