League: Tony Williams aching for the big time again

The Bulldogs' Tony Williams has an eye on the NSW City Origin side. Picture / Getty Images

The words under-performing have seemingly preceded Tony Williams' name for much of his Canterbury career, but the giant back-rower believes he's getting back to the 2011 form that helped secure his big-money move to the Bulldogs.

Williams will run out against Newcastle at ANZ Stadium today with one eye on possible selection in the NSW City Origin side that's named tomorrow, following some strong recent performances.

The 25-year-old was one of the most destructive players in the NRL in 2011 and part of an outstanding Manly back-row along with Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough that won the premiership.

Later that year he played in the Australia side that won the Four Nations in the UK, having already earned a first call-up for NSW.

With former Manly coach Des Hasler switching to Belmore in 2012, Williams was lured across town for the start of the following season on a lucrative four-year deal.

However, since his arrival he's rarely scaled the heights of 2011, with injury and form forcing him out of the representative picture for both state and country.

But with the Bulldogs leading the NRL ladder with five wins from their opening seven games, he's shown signs of getting back to his best and is hopeful of a shock return to the State of Origin scene.

"I just want to keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully that will lead to a chance to play rep footy," Williams said.

"I always had great pride in playing for my state and my country and gave my best."

Williams could take his first step back to the representative scene when the City Origin team is named tomorrow night - the giant back-rower admitting he'd love to be on the plane to Dubbo with Brad Fittler's side next week.

"Whatever rep team it is I will try my best and I'd loved to be involved again," he said.

"I've really missed it."

-AAP