Williams to return for Sea Eagles

Manly have been handed a boost ahead of next month’s World Club Challenge encounter with Leeds with news that David Williams has completed his recovery from a broken neck.

Winger Williams, 25, was cleared by surgeons yesterday, five months after suffering a neck fracture in the infamous ‘Battle of Brookvale’ against Melbourne.

He had to be stretchered from the field after suffering the injury as he attempted to cross the Storm line for a try.

Sadly for the New South Wales Origin representative, the injury meant he was unable to play a part in Manly’s premiership triumph.

But after a lengthy rehabilitation process, Williams is ready to get back into the swing of things and is chomping at the bit to make the squad for the encounter with the Rhinos at Headingly.

“I’m clear to start contact training and will be right to play if I get selected for the World Club Challenge,” said Williams.

“I’ve been able to train at a certain level up til now, so it’ll be great to take it to the next level.”