Richard Williams (rugby league)

{{distinguish|text=the rugby union footballer of the 1880s Richard Garnons Williams or the rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1940s, and 1950s Dickie Williams}}

{{Infobox rugby league biography

|name = Richie Williams

|fullname = Richard Williams

|image =

|caption =

| first = RL

|position = {{Rlp|FB|FE}}

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|5|31|df=yes}}

|birth_place = Moruya, New South Wales, Australia

|height = {{convert|182|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}

|weight = {{convert|92|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}

|club1 = {{nowrap|St. George Illawarra}}

|year1start = 2007

|year1end =

|appearances1 = 8

|tries1 = 5

|goals1 = 0

|fieldgoals1 = 0

|points1 = 20

|club2 = Penrith Panthers

|year2start = 2007

|year2end =

|appearances2 = 4

|tries2 = 1

|goals2 = 0

|fieldgoals2 = 0

|points2 = 4

| ru_teamA = {{nowrap|Australia 7s}}

| ru_yearAstart = 200?

| ru_yearAend =

| ru_appearancesA =

| ru_triesA =

| ru_goalsA = 0

| ru_fieldgoalsA = 0

| ru_pointsA =

|retired = yes

|updated = 16 January 2019

|source = [http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/richard-williams/summary.html Rugby League Project]

}}

Richard "Richie" Williams (born 31 May 1986) is an Indigenous Australian former professional rugby league footballer. Williams previously played as a {{rlp|fe}} for the Penrith Panthers, the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Gold Coast Titans.

Background

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

Playing career and controversies

In 2007, Williams was charged with assault, after an incident in the town of Narooma, New South Wales[http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21362697-23214,00.html Fox Sport, 12 March 2007 Story: "Dragon fights serious charge"].

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 afterwardsSydney Morning Herald, 2 May 2007. Story: "Anastradamus was right: Williams demoted"[http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/anastradamus-was-right-williams-demoted/2007/05/01/1177788131906.html] Williams was also involved in an altercation with controversial Bulldogs player Willie Mason over the issue.Sydney Morning Herald, 1 May 2007. Story:"Williams, Mason in nightclub row"{{cite web|url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/williams-mason-in-nightclub-row/2007/04/30/1177788056594.html|title=Williams, Mason in nightclub row – leaguehq.com.au|accessdate=1 May 2007|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502003026/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/williams-mason-in-nightclub-row/2007/04/30/1177788056594.html|archivedate=2 May 2007 }}

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.{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=Sydney|title=Williams joins Panthers|url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21925035-5001023,00.html|accessdate=2008-01-02|date=2007-06-18}}

In May 2008, Williams was sacked from the Penrith Panthers following an incident, the details of which were never released.{{cite web|url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/williams-fights-axe/2008/05/17/1210765249728.html|title=Williams fights axe|publisher=LeagueHQ|date=2008-05-18|accessdate=2008-05-12|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603024824/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/williams-fights-axe/2008/05/17/1210765249728.html|archivedate=3 June 2008 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/other-sports/list/one-hit-wonders-players-who-lasted-just-one-season-in-the-nrl/11r2phs9neqr51vwisvwwew40x/1/|title=One Hit Wonders|website=Sporting News}}

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.