Canberra halfback George Williams says his team are “pretty eager” to get one over the Roosters ahead of grand final rematch
Twelve months on and the pain is still real for Canberra. George Williams gives an insight into just how desperate the Raiders are to get one over the Roosters.
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They may not speak about it openly but George Williams knows his teammates are “pretty eager to get one over them”.
The “them” is the Sydney Roosters.
The Raiders and the Roosters are preparing for a grand final rematch on Friday night with the loser denied another premiership shot.
While Englishman Williams was not part of the Raiders’ grand final loss he knows there is something different about the preparation when they take on the Roosters.
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He has played them twice this year, with the sides winning a game each. The Roosters beat the Raiders 18-6 just a month ago.
“When we played them in round 10 it was the first time the teams have played since the grand final,” Williams said. “As much they don’t want to dwell on it they are pretty eager to get one over them.
“They are the back to back premiers. When you’re that good and with that label on your head people target you. Anyone who plays the Roosters are up for it. We’ve got a job on our hands but I’m looking forward to it.”
Williams is one of five players who played on Saturday who did not feature in the grand final. The Roosters had four players play in their loss to Penrith who did not have grand final success last year but are expected to welcome back co-captain Jake Friend from a head knock while Sonny Bill Williams is also pushing for inclusion.
George Williams and halves partner Jack Wighton starred for the Raiders in their come from behind 32-20 win against Cronulla on Saturday. Each half scored a double and turned the game. For Williams his big moment came when he snatched a Wade Graham pass to race 65 metres to score on the stroke of halftime.
Canberra was struggling before that but the try had them trailing by just four at the break despite having to make 78 more first half tackles.
“It was just instinct,” Williams said. “I’m lucky it came off. If it didn’t he would’ve gone through. Luckily enough he passed it to me. I managed to race away. I was pretty happy with that one.
“It was shaky at the start but we saw what character we’ve got.”
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart heaped praise on his halves after the game. He took the rare step of singling the pair out, declaring they took the game on their shoulders. Williams was in just his first NRL finals appearance having joined the club this year.
“It’s always nice when you hear your coach say that,” Williams said. “Our combination is building but we’ve had players (stand up) for us all year. Sometimes when you’re not playing your best you need someone to step up. I came here to challenge myself.”