Manly winger David Williams expects to be heavily targeted by NRL premiers the Sydney Roosters in Friday’s grand final rematch after his forgettable effort in last year’s decider.

Williams was lambasted by many pundits for his performance in the grand final as he struggled to deal with high kicks and his opposite Daniel Tupou.

Stories circulated post-game that he had gone AWOL as he attempted to come to terms with the loss, a claim Williams denies.

But the former Kangaroos representative said the Roosters would be smart to put the heat on him again.

“I don’t see why not, I would,” Williams said.

“They can come all night if they want, I suppose it would be a good plan.

“It didn’t scar me. I didn’t play my best, some of it (criticism) was warranted, some of it wasn’t, same as every other week really.

“I have watched the game, we have points to improve on.

“(Getting over it) is not exactly a process that everyone is used to.

“I’ve put a line in it. It’s a grand final, you don’t play your best every week, you always aspire to but I don’t know what to put it down to.

“I have already moved forward, there is no looking back.”

As expected both Manly and the Roosters have shown they are two of the teams to beat again in 2014.

The Roosters have enjoyed wins over Parramatta and Brisbane after a round one loss to South Sydney.

Manly have beaten Souths and the Eels after losing their opening match to Melbourne.

“The Roosters are definitely playing just as good as they did last year,” Williams said.