The Cronulla Sharks forward Jack Williams has officially joined the Parramatta Eels.
On a three-year deal, the new contract will see Williams travel from the Shire to the west of Sydney through until the end of 2027 as Jason Ryles attempts to rebuild his side.
Williams, a versatile player who can play both inside and on the edge, was formerly seen as the Sharks’ long-term replacement for Paul Gallen.
That hasn’t happened, but he has been an important part of Craig Fitzgibbon’s system lately, and he will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Eels, who will be without Reagan Campbell-Gillard in their engine room until 2025.
Williams is a significant addition to the team that will mesh well with their desired style of play, according to Mark O’Neill, director of football for the club.
We have been keeping an eye on Jack as a player for some time now. Williams’ signing was confirmed by the club in a statement. “His experience and leadership qualities will be great for our culture and align with how we want to play going forward,” O’Neill added.
“We’re pleased to continue building a strong list ahead of the 2025 preseason for the NRL program.”
Since making his NRL debut in 2018, Williams has participated in 124 NRL games for the Sharks. Of those, 49 have been played in the last two seasons.
READ MORE ABOUT RUGBY
NRL cops react negatively to Ivan Cleary’s $10,000 escape after calling the Panthers coach.
Prominent analyst Andrew Voss has criticised the NRL for not disciplining Ivan Cleary for his remarks made on Saturday night on Bunker official Chris Butler. Following his team’s victory over Cronulla, the Penrith Panthers coach unleashed a barrage of criticism, calling one of Butler’s choices “terrible” and implying he shouldn’t be chosen for the grand final.
Furious that Butler had prevented the Panthers from scoring a try because of what he saw as an obstruction, Cleary let the Sharks go down the other end of the pitch and score a try. Bulter was informed by Cleary in his press conference following the game that Bulter had made the incorrect decision by most of the NRL community.
The coach referred to Butler by name after saying, “That was a terrible decision, and that gives me a lot of anxiety about next week if that Bunker official (is there again).” “Chris Butler, I believe. That was incorrect, and it has continued throughout the year.
“That was the one occasion when we organised our belongings, executed the play flawlessly, and sprinted to his inside shoulder. In fact, Sifa (Talakai) struck up the conversation. If that same bunker official is still there or if someone else is following the same script, I have concerns about next week.”
Cleary advised NRL head of football Graham Annesley to reconsider his choice of referee for Sunday night’s grand final matchup between the Melbourne Storm and the NRL. “I don’t know if Graham makes the selection on who’s in the Bunker, but whoever’s in there needs to understand what we’re trying to do,” Cleary stated. “There are a lot of referees not reffing next week and they’re some of the best in the game, so surely someone can work that out.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo responded on Sunday, stating that Cleary would not get a sanction but that “Ivan is a great coach.” He doesn’t like to discuss match officials after the game, which is something that everyone should notice. Players or coaches expressing opinions regarding Individual match officials and appointment rumours are useless and take attention away from the teams and players in the run-up to the championship game.”
