Warrington Wolves and England captain George Williams will undergo neck surgery following an injury sustained in the club's loss to Catalans Dragons on April 18. The 31-year-old half-back confirmed the news, expressing determination to return before the end of the Super League season and the World Cup in October.
"I got a knock and didn't think it would be as serious as it was," Williams told Sky Sports during Warrington's match against Wigan on Friday. "I went for a scan and it's not good news. I've had a couple of days to process it and obviously it's disappointing, but I'll have the surgery and look forward to hopefully the back end of the year."
Williams, who will leave Warrington at the end of the season to return to the NRL, admitted the timing is difficult. "I'm praying with everything I've got," he said. "It wouldn't be a good way to go out and that's why the news was so tough to take. I'll be racing against the clock to get back and hopefully I can play here again."
The Super League Grand Final is scheduled for October 3, and England's World Cup opener against Tonga in Perth, Australia, follows on October 17. Williams has served as England captain since 2023, and newly appointed head coach Brian McDermott had previously stated he had no plans to change captains before the World Cup.
Warrington head coach Sam Burgess provided further context: "George will probably go for surgery at some point in the next week or two. It's unfortunate for George and the club. There are a number of ways to look at it so we've decided to take the positive route. Given the nature of where the injury is, we're happy that we've got hold of it. Hopefully he can make a great recovery and we'll see him back [in action] - if it's not this year, then hopefully next year."