Sam Williams will depart the Raiders for the English Super League, after signing a one-year deal with the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for 2017.
“I am very excited to join Wakefield, and it is a family club with such a close knit community," Williams said.
“I’m looking forward to being able to work with Chris Chester, I have heard good things from Josh Hodgson on his coaching and I am now excited to be a part of it and am looking forward to what the future holds.
"The Raiders are always going to be home for me. It's my junior club and and the club that has done so much for me. To leave wasn't easy."
Raider number 296, Williams made his debut for the club in 2011 after coming through the junior ranks. After a brief stint with the St George Dragons and Catalans Dragons in 2014, Williams was brought back to the Raiders for the 2015 season.
A highlight of Williams' year came back in Round Two when he took to the field against the Roosters wearing a special 007 jersey. Showing off tremendous poise befitting the Bond digits, Williams slotted a match-winning field goal that secured the Raiders a thrilling victory over the Roosters.
Williams would go on to make seven more appearances for the Raiders in 2016, including against the Sharks in week one of the NRL finals.
Easily a NRL calibre half, Williams was stuck behind Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer for a halves position for most of the year. Playing a majority of the year for the Mounties, Williams would lead them to the grand final and also claim the ISP Player of the Year award.
"The group of players and mateship we have at the club is amazing. I'll be mates with these guys forever. That's the biggest thing I'll take away from my time here," Williams said.
The Canberra Raiders thank Sam for his contributions to the club on and off the field, and wish him all the best for the move to Wakefield.
