Wild ride to the edge of stardom

By CHRIS RATTUE


There's A twinkle in the eye every time North Harbour No. 8 Nick Williams glances back at his career so far.

And you get the feeling there's a decent contest going on between a wild heart and a maturing mind as Williams recalls the events that have led him to the edge of rugby stardom.

Ditto for his game. According to Harbour coach Allan Pollock, there is plenty of sparkle in the big New Zealand Colt's repertoire, but it's been decided to build solid foundations before he reveals the full range.

Pollock says: "He's got a lot of good off-loading skills but the rest of the rugby world has only seen a small part of what he is capable of. He's concentrating on the simple things first ... but we're expecting big things from him."

Williams agrees, although his independent streak shows through.

When asked how the flashes of Harbour's unique brand of brilliance are structured, the 20-year-old rookie looks around to see if Pollock is in earshot, then whispers: "We don't learn that from the coaches. We try to be spontaneous."

Is that a quote?

"No worries," he replies, in what turns out to be typical Williams fashion.

Williams started the NPC season with a miss and a roar against Taranaki in New Plymouth. After being sinbinned for over-vigorous rucking 20 minutes into his NPC debut, he responded with a storming run on his return. And his 118kg, 1.9m frame has continued to catch the eye - if not in an overwhelming way, then certainly with mixture of power and glory that keeps catching the corner of your eye.

The crushing runs combined with glimpses of those quick hands leave you just wondering if North Harbour might be on to the next big thing.

Southland were certainly dazzled by him last Saturday night, when he was part of a brilliant interchange which led to a Luke McAlister try. Which takes us back in the life of Williams, who is Auckland-born of Samoan parents.

The name McAlister looms large in the form of Luke's father, Charlie - the runaway truck that used to cause havoc on the Taranaki wing.

McAlister senior, in his role as Westlake Boys High's rugby coach, lured Williams away from Northcote College for his seventh form year.

Williams tells the story with his trademark mischievous grin. He wagged the first day, attended a class the second, and quit the school - and all school - for good on the third, handing back the uniform, although not telling McAlister directly.

"I wanted to be independent. I didn't like to rely on people," says Williams with a touch of defiance.

Williams had another motivation for quitting school, to look after his elderly grandmother, "Nana" Williams.

She had played a big part in his upbringing in the central Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn where Williams, who played rugby league for Richmond, was brought up in a family with five sisters and two brothers.

That was followed by a shift to South Auckland, and after Williams found himself involved in some family angst, the teenager's independent streak was in evidence as he headed to Birkenhead to stay with his grandmother and a rugby-mad uncle.

"The best move I ever made ... look where it's led me to now," he says. There's also a hint from Williams, and those who have known him, that rugby has given him a purpose in life, and helped get him on the right track.

Williams made teenage representative teams although he faded during one high-school year when he "found the ladies".

Back to business. After playing in a pre-season game last season, and making the Blues development team this year, he has got his big NPC chance following Ron Cribb's departure. If Pollock is right, then the best - and plenty of it - has yet to come.

Williams is inspired by his much-loved grandmother, who still insists on attending games even though the family - mindful of her failing health - installed Sky so she could watch her grandson from the comfort of home.

A personal tragedy also drives him on. A couple of years ago, his older brother, Anthony, was killed in a car accident.

"It has really made me push myself ... it will always be with me," he says.

And he says his girlfriend, Gemma Birch, and his part-time job as an outdoor fitness centre instructor, help keep him grounded.

North Harbour may not be renowned for their forward endeavours, but they have had their share of players in test packs and have produced a little dynasty of No. 8s.

It started with "Buck" Shelford, there was a cameo from Richard Turner, followed by a frustratingly short stint from Cribb.

Williams appears to have the physical attributes, and a tough physical approach, to go all the way.

And the young man is even prepared to peep ahead in some very serious directions.

"To win the NPC, that would be huge in my eyes and I try not to look beyond that," he says. But he does.

"Sometimes I think about a Super 12 contract, and there is the end-of-year All Black tour. Look at Regan King. He made the All Blacks after his first NPC season. He showed what is possible."

So what is the best advice Williams can give himself?

"There are no shortcuts ... There are a lot of sacrifices you have to make," he says.

And, of course, he is armed with some sage advice from his beloved "Nana".

"She is what I thrive on - my inspiration. She always tells me that the thing that will do you in is your pride. You've got to be humble."


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