Richard Williams (rugby league)

Richard "Richie" Williams (born 31 May 1986) is an Indigenous Australian former professional rugby league footballer. Williams previously played as a five-eighth for the Penrith Panthers, the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Gold Coast Titans.

Not to be confused with the rugby union footballer of the 1880s Richard Garnons Williams or the rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1940s, and 1950s Dickie Williams.

Richie Williams
Personal information
Full nameRichard Williams
Born (1986-05-31) 31 May 1986
Moruya, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
Height182 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight92 kg (14 st 6 lb)
PositionFullback, Five-eighth
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2007 St. George Illawarra 8 5 0 0 20
2007 Penrith Panthers 4 1 0 0 4
Total 12 6 0 0 24
Source: [1]

Background

Williams was born in Moruya, New South Wales, Australia.

Playing career and controversies

In 2007, Williams was charged with assault, after an incident in the town of Narooma, New South Wales[2]

Also in 2007, Williams created controversy after publicly sledging rival Sydney Roosters player Braith Anasta prior to a game between their respective clubs; a game in which both Williams and his club were considerably dominated by Anasta and the Roosters respectively. Williams was demoted to the premier league by coach Nathan Brown soon afterwards[3] Williams was also involved in an altercation with controversial Bulldogs player Willie Mason over the issue.[4]

Although Williams returned to first-grade with the Dragons, he was eventually released mid-season and signed a contract with the Panthers for the remainder of the year and 2008.[5]

In May 2008, Williams was sacked from the Penrith Panthers following an incident, the details of which were never released.[6][7]

Williams also played club rugby union in Sydney and made the Australian Sevens side.

Williams last played for the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup.

References
  1. Rugby League Project
  2. Fox Sport, 12 March 2007 Story: "Dragon fights serious charge".
  3. Sydney Morning Herald, 2 May 2007. Story: "Anastradamus was right: Williams demoted"
  4. Sydney Morning Herald, 1 May 2007. Story:"Williams, Mason in nightclub row""Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2 May 2007. Retrieved 1 May 2007.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. "Williams joins Panthers". The Daily Telegraph. 18 June 2007. Retrieved 2 January 2008.
  6. "Williams fights axe". LeagueHQ. 18 May 2008. Archived from the original on 3 June 2008. Retrieved 12 May 2008.
  7. "One Hit Wonders". Sporting News.
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