Canterbury Bulldogs ... backrower Tony Williams scores a try. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited
If Laurie Daley wants size and power in his NSW lineup this year, he might be tempted to ignore Tony Williams' slow start to the season and stick with the 118kg second-row powerhouse.
Williams has come under the spotlight in the early rounds of 2013 for failing to set the competition alight following a big-money switch from NRL rivals Manly in the off-season.
But the powerful second-rower, who played two games for the Blues last series, has two attributes Daley treasures - size and strength.
Williams proudly holds his State of Origin appearances as arguably his finest achievements in rugby league, despite representing Australia and winning the 2011 premiership with the Sea Eagles.
And, fresh from his best performance of the season in the Bulldogs' 40-4 victory over Wests Tigers, Williams revealed he is desperate to earn another crack at the Queenslanders.
"It's massive. It's something special, something I've always dreamed off," Williams said on Tuesday.
"To actually represent the state, that's one of the big goals I've looked up to.
"It's one of the best things that's ever happened to me. Hopefully I get back there."
It's no coincidence Williams, who scored his first try of the season against the Tigers, enjoyed his best showing of the season last weekend - the return of big boppers Sam Kasiano (shin splints) and James Graham (suspension) worked wonders for him.
With defenders drawn into the middle to look after the Bulldogs big men, Williams was able to find one-on-one situations out wide - like in the eighth minute when he opened the scoring.
"It's helped me out on the edges," he said of their return.
"It gets me involved for a bit of one-on-one (situations). It's a massive boost for us."
Williams said he had not been troubled by external criticism questioning his form or pay packet, but admitted he was still to hit top gear this season.
"(The criticism) didn't really faze me earlier in the year. The boys have faith in me and I know what I'm capable of," he said.
"A bit of confidence (is back). But there's still a lot of improvement (for myself and) as a team as well."
Bulldogs teammate, and fellow NSW hopeful, Aiden Tolman has no doubt Williams would make an impact against Queensland's imposing pack.
"I definitely think he can be damaging at that level that's for sure," Tolman said.
"He's a big human, he's got plenty of power and speed.
"If he was picked in that side I'm guessing he'd be outstanding.
"If his form warrants it, then why not? He's proven at that level before."
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