THE Sydney Roosters have emerged as a shock contender for the signature of David Williams in a blow to Manly's chances of retaining the Kangaroos winger.
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Williams is off contract at the end of the season and the Sea Eagles will struggle to retain both him and fellow winger Michael Robertson. The premiers have a number of players coming off contract, including reigning Dally M winner Matt Orford, and face a delicate balancing act to retain the bulk of the squad that delivered grand final success last season.
North Queensland, South Sydney and Cronulla have been mooted as potential homess for "The Wolfman", pictured, should he not extend his stay at Brookvale, but the Roosters have a history of getting their man.
"He's a quality player and he's on the market. If he was to leave, we'd be interested," said Roosters recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan. "There's been nothing formal put to him."
The interest from the Roosters comes just months after the club released Amos Roberts from the final year of his contract to ease salary-cap pressures. Roberts subsequently took up a lucrative four-year offer to join English Super League club Wigan.
The race for Williams's services caps a remarkable rise for the 22-year-old winger. After languishing in the reserves at Parramatta, Williams has become one of the hottest players on the open market after starring in Manly's grand final triumph and Australia's World Cup campaign.
