Williams was one of just two Otago or Highlanders links when the nominees for the New Zealand rugby awards were announced yesterday, with new All Black and Southland prop Jamie Mackintosh nominated for Air New Zealand Cup player of the year.
Williams, who suffered a horrific leg injury five years ago, made a stylish comeback with the Highlanders this season.
Playing both at fullback and on the wing, he was efficient and polished and deservedly earned a call-up into a wider All Black squad.
Sadly, Williams has transferred to the Blues next season, where he will try to re-ignite his test aspirations.
He faces a stiff challenge to win the Super 14 award at the December 4 function.
The other nominees are All Black and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw and All Black and Hurricanes hooker Andrew Hore, formerly of Otago.
Highlanders halfback Jimmy Cowan was named Super 14 player of the year in 2007, while fellow halfback Byron Kelleher won the Super 12 award in 1999.
Mackintosh has two other new All Blacks, Wellington winger Hosea Gear and Canterbury loose forward Kieran Read, for competition in his category.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is nominated for New Zealand coach of the year for his effort in leading the Crusaders to a seventh Super title, and he will be favoured to win ahead of All Black coach Graham Henry, Canterbury coach Rob Penney and Wanganui coach Guy Lennox.
The All Blacks might be favoured to be named team of the year ahead of the Crusaders, Canterbury and Wanganui.
Olivia Coady (Canterbury) and the Auckland pair of Victoria Grant and Victoria Heighway are the women's finalists, while Cameron Crowley (Wanganui), Aarin Dunster (King Country) and Eric Smith (South Canterbury) are up for the Heartland Championship player of the year.
Other awards, for the referee and age grade, sevens and Maori players of the year, as well as the Kelvin Tremain Trophy for overall player of the year, will be made on the night.
