Canberra halfback George Williams has found his voice, with the English No.7 admitting he is only now feeling comfortable ordering the Raiders around.
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Williams was given the tricky task of landing in Australia and being thrown straight into the deep end last year, guiding his new teammates at a club riddled with injuries.
The 26-year-old impressed in his first campaign, helping Canberra to the preliminary final, but still felt he had to earn the respect of a playing group he had only met a few of before.
However with one season under his belt he and his Raiders teammates and coaching staff are already noticing a distinct difference, with Williams far clearer in his directions this summer.
"That's probably been George's one area where he's known he has to step up," fellow Englishman and co-captain Josh Hodgson told AAP.
"He's got every other attribute. He defends well, attacks well, and has a good kicking game short and long.
"But I have really seen him evolve in these last 12 months, more than I ever have and I first played George in 2015.
"Where he's come from between then and now is incredible. He's got a confidence about him where he is ready to go.
"He's been that general in training where he is barking us around the field, telling people where he needs to put them and ordering plays."
Canberra have flown under the radar this off-season, despite grand final and preliminary finals appearances in the past two years.
But they remain a genuine threat, with Williams crucial to that as he looks to become the first English halfback since Gary Stephens in 1976 to win the premiership.
Working in Williams' favour in particular has been his extended pre-season, as COVID-19 meant no international games and all English players remained in Australia for Christmas.
His combination with five-eighth Jack Wighton also began to flourish at the end of last year. The pair scored 16 tries between them and set up just as many in the last 14 games of the season.
With a clearer understanding of the Australian game, and new faster rules expected to suit the Raiders, Williams now feels comfortable in his own skin.
"I was new, I wanted to earn my stripes," Williams said.
"I didn't want to just come in and start barking orders with no respect earned off the boys. I feel like I have maybe gained a bit of that after last year.
"Now I feel like I have a voice in the team. And I think the boys appreciate it when my calls are loud and clear."
Australian Associated Press
