Percy Williams – The Mighty Atom – Let’s Hear It For The Little Blokes
It has often been said that Rugby League is a tough big man’s game. Well yes, but not entirely. There have been many little blokes who have run rings around the big blokes. Clive Churchill, Billy Smith and Kieth Holman come to mind.
But there was one really ‘little’ bloke who was a real terrier – Percival Edmond Williams – ‘The Might Atom’. He was no taller than a ballerina but as a half he kept his opponents on their toes through ten years of football.
Vital Statistics
Percy’s vital statistics would not instill fear in Sam Burgess. His playing weight was never more than 9 stone 12 pounds (62Kgs) and he was not much more than a king-sized grasshopper at 5 feet 3 inches (160cms), hence the nickname ‘The Mighty Atom’.
He was born on March 10, 1910 and grew up in a loving family at Mascot with a father who played football for the Grosvenors club at the Rocks. Percy was a gifted all round sports boy at King Street Public School. In football he was a fullback and a champion goalkicker, even with bare feet.
Early Career
Percy left school at fifteen and decided to try his luck in the brave new world. He played with a number of lower grade teams in the 20s such as Mascot C grade and Lauriston Park C grade. In 1928 he graduated to the South Sydney Presidents Cup team who were beaten by Newtown that year.
Entering Grade
Now came the big turning point. In 1929 Arthur Woods, who was secretary of Souths third grade club, requested Percy for his team. There were two players trying out for the half back spot – Percy and Bob Perry. They initially agreed to share the role, half a game each, but this state of affairs did not last. Percy ended up taking over 100% for the rest of the season and in fact finished up in the seconds who went on to win the premiership that year.
‘Herc’ Williams
It was at this time that Percy got the nickname ‘Herc’. In his words he used to play with a family on a farm at Lauriston Park where the Sydney airport is now. They would play all sorts of games including football. One day, for no good reason, the young son called him ‘Herc’ and the name stuck.
A Chance To Play With The Champions
Every young footballer plays ‘phantom’ games in their own space and imagines themselves playing a real game against the champions. They would be passing the ball to them or receiving it and then sidestepping opponents to score a spectacular try.
Most, like me, can only imagine what it would be like to really play with them. Percy’s big hero was Benny Wearing. In 1930 Percy got his chance playing against Newcastle then in 1931 the ‘Mighty Atom’ moved up to the top. He started in second grade but soon progressed to the firsts and played in the premiership winning team.
1932 – Representative Football.
In 1932 Percy became a permanent fixture in the firsts. All the bottled up frustrations were ready to explode as he donned the colours of Souths and played the whole season in a year Souths won the premiership yet again. Further success came to Williams when he really went to the top and represented New South Wales and played against the visiting English team. Percy continued to give good service to Souths in seasons 1933 to 1935. In 1936 he decided to try his hand in the country at Goulburn.
1937 Tour Of England
One season in the country was enough for Percy. 1937 saw him return to the bosom on the ‘Mother Club’ South Sydney and this season was special for another reason.
Percy had the honour of being selected to tour Great Britain with Eric Lewis and Frank Curran. After the tour was over Percy was asked what he thought of playing over there. “The weather was bloody awful. I didn’t like playing under English conditions with mud and slush and God knows what.” Mind you he did like Paris. He broke his collar bone but refused to get it operated on until he got back home.
Later Years
Percy Williams continued to play for Souths until 1938. He spent one season with Hygiene Containers and subsequently joined Newtown for two years in 1940 and 1941. ‘Herc’ was also a great cricketer with the Moore Park Cricket Association. After retiring Percy worked for the Waterboard but his love for Souths was eternal. Percy was interviewed for the 1987 HISTORY OF SOUTHS video. He died on 10th July 1996 just short of his 86th birthday.
I am sure you will agree that Percy ‘Herc’ Williams the ‘Mighty Atom’ deserves a pride of place in the ‘Remembering a Rabbito’ club.
Percy Williams – The Mighty Atom
By Mark Emery for Bunnies TV.
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