Eels forward Williams charged with drink driving

Parramatta Eels recruit Tony Williams fronted court on Wednesday after being charged with mid-range drink driving before Christmas.

The club had informed the NRL of Williams's driving indiscretion and will wait until the matter is resolved before deciding on a potential course of action.

NRL.com has been told Williams immediately rang the club after being pulled over at a random breath test operation during the holidays, and he was remorseful for his mistake.

The matter was adjourned until next month, with the 29-year-old forward later returning to Parramatta's pre-season camp on the Central Coast.

The Eels released a statement on the incident: ''Parramatta National Rugby League Club (PNRL) player Tony Williams appeared in court yesterday regarding a drink driving incident that took place last month.

''Tony did make the club aware of the situation immediately and the NRL Integrity Unit was informed as per our normal process. The matter was adjourned in court until February 14 to allow Tony to complete a safe driving course.

''Once the legal process has been completed the club will work with Tony and his management on the relevant next steps. The club will not make any further comment until the legal proceedings are concluded.''

An NRL spokesman confirmed the integrity unit had been made aware of the situation and was monitoring it closely.

The former Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Cronulla Sharks player has returned to his junior club on a one-year deal looking to make the most of what he believes is his last chance in the NRL.

In an interview with NRL.com in Alice Springs last month, Williams spoke about the regrets he had throughout his career and admitted he was surprised Eels coach Brad Arthur was willing to hand him a lifeline.

"I'm surprised he took me in," Williams said last month.

''The last couple of years haven't been my best and I've been injured most of the time. I think I've played something like close to 30 games in three years.

''It was a big risk for him. And I'm grateful he's willing to take the risk with me. I'm willing to pay back his faith. I think he's confident that he will get me there. I think we had a bond in that way.

''I'm lucky enough that I have done what I did in the past. I think they based it on what I did in the past. If anyone can get me back I believe Brad Arthur will get me there."