NRL: Giant backrower unstoppable again

Tony Williams. Photo / Getty Images

Manly star Anthony Watmough says the thought of ever having to face Tony Williams would be enough to make him retire from the NRL.

Giant backrower Williams added to his ever-growing reputation on Friday night with another bulldozing try in Manly's 22-18 win over Wests Tigers at Gosford.

Williams, who broke into the Australia side for the Four Nations tournament last year and who played a key role in Manly's win over the Warriors last weekend, looks certain to represent NSW in this year's State of Origin series - having been transformed from a raw winger into one of the most feared ball runners in the game by Manly.

He ran over Tigers skipper Robbie Farah after halftime to score his second try in as many games and Watmough believes the former Parramatta Eels man is virtually unplayable.

"He's a machine," Watmough said. "He's big, he's strong, he's fast. You see the way he runs out there, you could get a hundred people and no one would stop him.

"I don't ever want to tackle to him, I'll retire if he ever goes to another club!"

Watmough was again a stand-out performer as the premiers came from behind to stun the side that many believe will take the Sea Eagles' crown in October.

However, the NSW and Australia representative insists the form of Manly's halves pairing Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans has been instrumental in their unbeaten start to the season. Cherry-Evans was superb again in Gosford, scoring a magnificent 60m try and Watmough is a fully paid-up member of the 23-year-old's fan club.

"He's a freak, they [the Tigers] were steaming out there when he was palming them off as he was running. He's like a Jack Russell. You can't get hold of him when he wants to run. I don't think there is a better halves combination in the comp."

Foran is off-contract at the end of the season and Cherry-Evans has only a year left on his current deal, with his advisers currently negotiating with the club to improve his terms.

Watmough is hopeful the pair will remain at Brookvale: "If they can get close to what they are worth, then I am sure they will stay."

- AAP