Canberra Raiders halfback Sam Williams has no issues with the collision that caused him to be hospitalised with a collapsed lung, but he believes referees need to ensure playmakers are protected when kicking.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Williams will return for the Raiders against the Brisbane Boncos at Canberra Stadium on Saturday, less than a fortnight after he suffered a collapsed lung when Gold Coast Titans forward Ryan James challenged him after a kick.
The issue of playmaker protection was raised earlier this year when North Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston was aggressively targetted by Newcastle hitman Beau Scott.
"I didn't have a problem with what he [James] did," Williams said. "I think it was well within the rules and I know when our forwards get stuck into the opposition halves, it's good to see.
"It's a discretion thing. I don't think Ryan James should have been penalised at the time, but there's been worse ones where you've been taken out and you probably feel they should be. It's just something the referees need to be on top of and make sure it's not too blatant.
"As long as it's not too late and not high, I don't have a big drama with it.
"Some common sense needs to be used at times. If it is too late, the kicker needs to have the right to kick the ball without knowing someone could hit him a couple of seconds late."
Williams was close to making a return to the field last weekend and said he wouldn't second-guess his running game against the Broncos.
"The body feels fine, it's all come together really well and it's not going to be any drama."
Former Raider Anthony Milford's return to the capital for the first time as a Brisbane Bronco has dominated the build up, but Williams insists they're not getting caught up in the hype.
Milford had arguably his best game for an understrength Broncos in Monday's win over Newcastle and is gradually warming to his five-eighth role.
"He's a quality player but we come up against different players who have class each week," Williams said.
"We won't treat him any different, we're focusing on the Broncos as a whole and he's just a part of that.
"We all know what he can do, but the players around him, you can't take your eye off them.
"We have to make sure we're focusing on the big picture and not just on the one player."
Williams' halves partner Blake Austin has been in outstanding form and his State of Origin hopes were only enhanced by the lack of composure at vital times from NSW halves Mitchell Pearce and Trent Hodkinson in Wednesday's game one loss to Queensland.
The Blues' bulked up bench also backfired, which could prompt Laurie Daley to emulate Queensland and select a utility player on the bench.
"He's doing everything in his power to put his hand up at the moment. I'm sure it's not something he's spending too much time thinking about," Williams said.
"He's got that spark and is a really damaging ball runner. It might be something down the line, but he's come to the Raiders to try and be successful and I'm sure that's the first thing on his mind."
SATURDAY
NRL round 12: Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos at Canberra Stadium, 5.30pm
Tickets available from Ticketek
