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Wolfman circling injured Tate

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AAP | 17/11/08 | 0

Manly winger David Williams says he will prepare as if he will be called into Australia's World Cup final team as an injury cloud hovers over the fitness of Kangaroos teammate Brent Tate.

Tate suffered a right hip flexor injury in Australia's 52-0 semi-final win over Fiji on Sunday night and is rated only a 50-50 chance of facing New Zealand at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Williams scored three tries in his Test debut two weeks ago and is the likely replacement for Tate but isn't getting too carried away with the prospect of a call up next week.

"I would like to think so but I won't be taking anything for granted at the moment," said Williams.

"I don't want to get too ahead of myself and get my hopes up and not get selected.

"I will be putting myself in the right frame of mind for playing the game and hopefully it comes through."

A World Cup final would cap a brilliant and unexpected 2008 for Williams as he made his NRL debut with Manly, won the premiership and made the Test squad.
"Short of playing State of Origin I think I could hang up my boots," he said.

"It's been amazing and I'm very grateful for the opportunities I've been given and how everything has panned out."

Sea Eagles teammate Josh Perry is another trying to force his way into Australia's final team after he was dumped by coach Ricky Stuart for experienced forward Craig Fitzgibbon against Fiji.

Perry had been carrying a shoulder injury he picked up against England in the second week of the tournament but the 27-year-old prop is adamant he is fully fit for selection this week.

"I'm 100 per cent ready to go. I could have played (against Fiji)," said Perry.

"I'm looking to get back into the team this week and play in the World Cup final.

"Ricky knew I was carrying my shoulder a bit. He wanted a bit of experience on this week and went with Fitzy.

"It will be tough to get back in there next week but I have my fingers crossed."

I don't want to get too ahead of myself and get my hopes up and not get selected... David Williams

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