Sea Eagles set to bring back Tony Williams for finals run

An injury crisis means the Sea Eagles are considering bringing back ex-player Tony 'T-Rex' Williams for its finals campaign, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. 

Manly will likely be without star prop Martin Taupau after he was charged with a grade-three high tackle on Parramatta's Ray Stone, while Taniela Paseka (knee) and Curtis Sironen (calf) are also expected to be sidelined.

It adds to an already long list of casualties, including Tom Trbojevic (pectoral), Joel Thompson (arm), Toafofoa Sipley (knee), Albert Hopoate, Jack Gosiewski (leg) and Morgan Boyle (shoulder).

To sign Williams the club would have to apply for a special exemption from the NRL, which would likely be accepted given their injury dilemma.

He played for Manly from 2009-12 but appeared to have his NRL career ended after recording a second strike under the NRL’s illicit drugs policy while at Parramatta last year.

Captain Daly Cherry-Evans had faith in whatever team the club sends out.

“It’s definitely not ideal with injuries but it’s too early to assess the damage,” Cherry-Evans told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“There will be an opportunity for 17 players to play in a finals series and that in itself is pretty exciting. I know I can’t wait to be a part of it.”