Rugby League: Former Mold starlet Rhys Williams aiming for a shot at the big time with the Warrington Wolves

Feb 25 2010 by Matthew McKeown, Flintshire Chronicle

A FORMER Mold rugby starlet is on the verge of hitting the Rugby League big time after his latest starring role.

Twenty-year-old Rhys Williams, who hails from Mynydd Isa, bagged himself a hat-trick of tries as his Warrington Wolves U20s side ran out 38-32 winners over Wigan Warriors.

Although yet to make an appearance for the Wolves senior side, Williams’ performances have not gone unnoticed by the Super League side’s head coach Tony Smith who has elevated the Welsh ace to his first-team squad.

“At the moment it’s just a case of training really hard and making sure that when I get my chance in the first team, I take it,” said Williams.

“I had hoped to be involved in the first team at the back end of last season but I got injured and was forced to miss out.

“This season should hopefully turn out better and I can get a run in the team.”

Williams is also hoping to advance his international career with the Wales rugby league side, starting at this year’s end-of-season European Championships.

“The aim is to be involved with Wales for the forthcoming Euro Championship games later this year,” said Williams.

“We also have a mid-season game so I want to be involved as much as I possibly can.”

Also hoping for the call for the first team will be Rhys’ brother Gavin, 19, himself a member of the Wolves U20s set up.

“We don't have any real rivalry,” said Welsh flyer Rhys.

“Being at the Wolves is the first time that we have ever played together as we were in different sides at Mold.

“After that, I went to the Scarlets and Gav went to play for the London Wasps. It’s great how we’ve ended up at the Wolves together.”

Former Argoed High School pupil Rhys believes the grounding he received in rugby union at Mold stood him in good stead for his League career with Warrington.

“Being at Mold really helped me develop my game and has served me well,” said Williams.

“I had fantastic coaches in Les Burns and Neil Chapman who really helped me with my rugby.”

Williams, whose current Wolves deal expires at the end of the season, is aiming high for the future and signalled his intent to remain with the table-topping Wolves for as long as possible.

“I'm out of contract at the end of this year but if I can carry on progressing then I’m confident I can secure a longer deal,” said Williams.

“There is a fantastic set up here and the club are going really well and have the right coach in Tony Smith to move us forward.

“I want to be a part of the future here and be involved in all the big games.”