BRAD Arthur had never met Tony Williams before they sat down for a coffee in October.

While Williams started his career with Parramatta, their paths had never intersected.

Yet despite a horror run with injury and years of lacklustre form, Arthur was willing to meet with the man nicknamed ‘T-Rex’.

The truth is, in recent seasons Williams has been less of a monster and more of a man facing NRL extinction.

Round 19

After one season with Cronulla where he tore his ACL, he wasn’t offered a new contract from the club.

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Still, Arthur wanted to hear what the giant had to say.

With no preconceived ideas of who Williams was or what he was about, the Eels mentor listened.

It took 60 seconds before Arthur knew he was going to offer him a contract.

Tony Williams celebrates a try for the Bulldogs. Source: News Corp Australia

“Once the season finished I met with him,” Arthur told foxsports.com.au.

“I could see he was determined and he knew it was make or break for him.

“He felt like he had more than one year left in him and you can tell he needs to make a real go of it and knew what he has to do to get himself right physically.

“It’s not football. You don’t forget how to play football. Physically with his knee and weight and fitness he knows what he has to do to play well.

“I could see determination in him.

“He didn’t want to go and finish his career overseas. He wants to play for many more years to come. He’s not ready to give it up yet.”

It’s a low risk play for the Eels coach.

Tony Williams in his second NRL match playing on the wing. Source: News Limited

On his best day, the backrower is one of the most damaging ball runners in the game.

A former Test and Origin star, Williams is till only 29.

He’s also leaner than ever before.

In fact, the last time he was this trim, he was playing on the wing.

Offered a bottom dollar wage, Williams has everything to play for.

While the bigger money option would’ve been to move to England, Arthur said Williams didn’t want to entertain the idea of leaving the NRL.

In fact, the player himself believes he has another couple of years to mix it in the premier competition and it’s that kind of self-belief which excites Arthur.

“He’s going well. His attitude is excellent. He’s one of the first blokes to training all the time,” he said.

“He’s doing extras. He still hasn’t joined the main group but he’s 122 kilos. He’s skinner than he’s been since he’s 19.

Tony Williams playing for the Bulldogs. Source: News Corp Australia

“He’s got a real determination about him. He knows he needs to make a go of it.”

The addition of the experienced Williams has helped soften the void left by the retirement of veteran Frank Pritchard.

Blessed for choice in the backrow, including the possible switch of Brad Takairangi from centre to backrow to accommodate for the arrival of Jarryd Hayne, competition for spots are at a premium.

While injuries will inevitably force change, Arthur hasn’t promised any single position, stressing that training and trial form will determine his team for the season opener against Penrith on March 11.

“They’re all looking around,” Arthur said.

“They know there’s competition for spots. That creates a healthy competitive environment. The team picks itself. If they want to be in the team, they’ll be in the team.”