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.

Richie Williams
Personal information
Full nameRichard Williams
Born (1986-05-31) 31 May 1986 (age 38)
Moruya, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
Height182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight92 kg (14 st 7 lb)
Rugby league
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
Rugby union
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
200? Australia 7s 0 0
Source: [1]

Background

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

Playing career and controversies

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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

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  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"[1]
  4. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 1 May 2007. Story:"Williams, Mason in nightclub row""Williams, Mason in nightclub row – leaguehq.com.au". Archived from the original on 2 May 2007. Retrieved 1 May 2007.
  5. ^ "Williams joins Panthers". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. 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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