New Northern Pride head coach Jason Demetriou has further boosted his stocks for 2013 with the key signing of captain Ty Williams for another season.

Demetriou recently announced he had locked in star props Ben Laity and Alex Starmer on new one-year deals. And now he has persuaded former Queensland State of Origin great and North Queensland Cowboys legend Williams to go around again.

Williams, who is currently recovering from a knee reconstruction, said he is desperate to win a premiership with the Pride.

“I really want to win a premiership with the Northern Pride,” the 31-year-old said.

“I missed out in 2010 when we won our only ever grand final, and I was a little unsure about whether to play again in 2013, especially with another knee injury to recover from.

“But I’ve spoken to JD (Jason Demetriou) at length over the past week or two, and I have no doubt we’ve got the coach and the team to go all the way in 2013.

“I felt we could have won it this year with the squad we had, but it wasn’t meant to be. But JD has convinced me to give it another crack, and I really feel we can win it next year.”

Demetriou, who has joined the Pride from UK side Keighley Cougars, said one of his priorities coming into the role was to secure the services of Williams.

“Ty is an absolute inspiration to the rest of the boys,” said Demetriou. “I’m obviously well aware of the outstanding career he’s had for the Cowboys, and he will go down as an absolute legend at Dairy Farmers
.
“Now we’re lucky to have him at Barlow Park, and I really wanted him to stay and lead the boys onto the park in 2013.

“I’ve told him my vision for the club and how I want the playing side of things to work, and he’s keen to be a part of that, which is great news for everyone involved with the Pride.”

Williams suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in late July in Pride’s win over Wynnum Manly, but says his recovery schedule is well on track.

“My doctor says I should be able to start jogging over the next few weeks, and then I’ll get into some contact work in the New Year.

“I should be fit for the start of the season next March, but I won’t push myself, and if it means I miss the first few rounds, then so be it.

“But it’s all looking pretty good at this stage.”