Canterbury Bulldogs finally lure reluctant new buy Tony Williams away from Manly Sea Eagles

CANTERBURY have today announced the signing of Manly and NSW forward Tony Williams.

CANTERBURY have today announced the signing of Manly and NSW forward Tony Williams.

The four-year-deal will keep Williams in a blue and white jumper until the end of 2016, in a massive signing for the Bulldogs.

Williams agonised over the decision but finally agreed to quit Manly and follow former coach Des Hasler to Belmore, only making up his mind this weekend.

The Bulldogs this morning released a statement confirming the deal.

Williams played four Test matches for Australia in 2011 and made his State of Origin debut for NSW in game one of this years series at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

The Cabramatta junior joins the Canterbury Bulldogs from the Manly Sea Eagles, where he was a member of the 2011 Premiership winning side led by now Bulldogs head coach Des Hasler.

The 192cm, 118kg 23 year-old made his NRL debut for the Parramatta Eels back in round 13 of the 2008 season, playing 11 matches that year before linking with the Sea Eagles in 2009.

Williams is currently out injured and is not expected back on the park before round 18 for the Sea Eagles.

The move is a major blow to the reigning premiers, with Williams' move to the Bulldogs in November having the potential to put a dent in the club's 2012 premiership charge.

Williams was squeezed out of Manly by salary cap pressures, resulting from the re-signing of star playmakers Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran earlier this year.

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