Wolfman cleared to return

Manly winger David Williams looks set to return to the field in time for the start of the NRL season after he was given the go-ahead ahead to resume contact training, just five months after suffering a serious neck injury.

Williams, nicknamed 'The Wolfman', fractured a vertebra in his neck after a heavy tackle in the Sea Eagles' spiteful Round 25 clash against the Melbourne Storm at Brookvale Oval.

The 25-year-old missed the remainder of the 2011 season as the Sea Eagles went on to win their second premiership in four seasons.

Williams was forced to spend a couple of months in a neck brace and has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation in an effort to get back on the field for the start of the 2012 season.

And Williams could even make a return sooner with the Sea Eagles to take on Super League champions Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge at Headingley on February 17.

"The surgeon told me I'm clear to start contact training and will be right to play if I get selected for the World Club Challenge," Williams said in a club statement.

"I've been feeling okay for a while now."

"I've been training at a certain level and it'll be great to be able to take it to the next level."

Williams' return to fitness is crucial for Manly, whose grand final wingers William Hopoate and Michael Robertson have left the club in the off-season.

Williams and youngster Michael Oldfield are likely to be the Sea Eagles' starting wingers for the start of their premiership defence.