Schoolboy young gun Ryder Williams is riding a Gold Coast wave of momentum as he eyes a bright future in the NRL.
Recently elevated to the Titans' Top 30 at only 18, the promising playmaker is soaking up every minute of his second NRL pre-season at Parkwood, eagerly preparing for the moment his name is called.
"I'm still finding my feet but I feel more involved this year which feels really good," Williams told titans.com.au.
"Being in that Top 30 means you have more responsibility because you can get called up at any stage, so I'm just trying to go day by day and improve where I can to feel ready."
The Kiwi-born back is embracing the opportunity to learn from experienced players Kieran Foran and Keano Kini - admiring the leadership and dedication they demonstrate both on and off the field.
"It's so good getting to train with both of them because I feel like we all grew up very similar," Williams said.
"Seeing them everyday and what they do for the team and the club definitely motivates me to do more."
Not only gaining invaluable insight from the New Zealand duo, Williams now has some more familiar faces he's training alongside.
Playing a part in Tweed's commanding Mal Meninga Cup title win in 2024 with Titans development duo Sam Stephenson and Zane Harrison, the trio have enjoyed rekindling their success together this pre-season.
"I love playing with Zane and Sam and seeing those boys at training - they help me get better everyday," Williams said.
"Zane really took control of our team this season and ran the show which allowed me to focus on what I needed to do out on the field.
"Sam just has such a big presence out on the edge, so you can always rely on him."
Yet to make his Hostplus Cup debut, that is a big goal for the versatile utility in 2025 who has taken on a new role this season.
"Getting my body in shape and staying injury free - they're the big focuses for me at the moment," he said.
"Playing in the Q Cup is definitely one of my goals and hopefully it comes soon but I'm just keen to keep working and improving.
"I really enjoy being in the halves but I've been taking on that hooker role quite a bit this pre-season... if that's where they see me, I'm happy to do whatever it takes to get the job done."
