How First Nations man defied being told to ‘stop playing that sissy game’ to become a Socceroos hero

Growing up in South Sydney, many felt that Harry Williams was destined to play rugby league like many of his family and friends.

But after being first introduced to football by a neighbor as a youth, the Wiradjuri man was instantly hooked.

Williams ignored calls from a close friend, legendary former St George Dragons running back Billy Smith, to “stop playing that sissy game”, and it turned out to be a shrewd move.

In 1974, he became the first indigenous man to represent Australia at a World Cup aged just 23 in West Germany.

John Maynard, the author of the The aboriginal soccer tribesaid Williams taking the field against Chile at the Olympiastadion in Berlin was a defining moment.

Harry Williams was the first indigenous man to represent Australia at a World Cup in 1974

A talented left-back, Williams was known for his pace and ability on the ball (pictured with teammate Manfred Schaefer before the World Cup)

‘Inspiring. Absolutely inspiring,” he told NITV.

“As an Aboriginal kid, it was great to watch and a really talented player.

“Harry was an overlapping left fullback, incredibly skilled and lightning quick.”

Reflecting on the World Cup in West Germany, Williams felt the Socceroos held their own.

‘We did pretty well since we were only part-time players back then. We were semi-professionals and we did the World Cup,’ he said.

Williams was selected for the national team after just six first grade games (pictured with teammates Jimmy Rooney and Jimmy Mackay)

Williams paved the way for other First Nations athletes to represent Australia at elite level.

‘It was quite a special occasion for all of us. ‘Having that experience of playing and rubbing shoulders with players like [German superstar] Franz Beckenbauer was special.

Williams also paved the way for other First Nations athletes to represent their nation, notably Jade North, Travis Dodd and Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.

In 2008, North became the first captain of the indigenous Socceroos when he stripped an injured Harry Kewell of the armband in a friendly against Singapore.

‘Pim Verbeek was the manager at the time… He had just lifted the (A-League) trophy with Newcastle. [Jets]then he threw the bracelet at me,’ he recalled.

“Football brought out the best in me, it taught me to be proud of who I am and what I stand for.”