"IT'S probably been the worst year of my life. I can't believe how bad it's gone. I just wish it was over, so I can pick up my spirits from there."

And with that, Manly rookie David Williams summed up, with the same larrikinism that has followed his rise, his year - capped off yesterday when he was officially called into the Australian squad for the World Cup final.

"Nah, look, I'm just riding along the roller-coaster at the moment," said Williams, who is on the verge of winning a premiership and a World Cup in his debut year.

Williams will replace Brent Tate, who predictably lost his battle with a hip flexor injury, as the Kangaroos received a blow and a boost yesterday - lock Paul Gallen was declared a certain starter at the same time.

Williams has been training with the squad all week, so the disruption should be kept to a minimum. "I've been preparing like I was going to play but now that it's assured I can really get my head on," the 22-year-old said.

The reward for Williams, who scored a hat-trick on debut for Australia earlier in the tournament against Papua New Guinea, is a spot opposite Manu Vatuvei, although it won't be another first for him - he marked him in the NRL finals.

"You can't go into a game with any fear," he said.

Tate had scans on Wednesday which revealed a grade two tear. However, team doctor Hugh Hazzard said Gallen would "definitely play" despite the Cronulla captain suffering a corked thigh in the semi-final against Fiji.

Glenn Jackson