‘Best player in Super League’ – England star earns rave reviews after Samoa victory

One England star has been dubbed as the ‘best player in Super League’ after the nation’s 34-18 victory over Samoa.

In a game that had been sold as a shot at ‘revenge’, England were by the better team and the scoreline was arguably flattering on Samoa with their sole try in the first half coming off an intercept from a stray Daryl Clark pass.

Beyond that, there had been little threat from the touring nation with England in relative control and one man was at the heart of that.

Captain George Williams put in one of his best performances in an England shirt, going on to earn the Man of the Match award and top Serious About RL’s player ratings.

Even by half time, his influence was being heavily praised with both Kevin Brown and Jon Wilkin waxing lyrical about the Warrington Wolves man’s first 40 minutes.

“For me, George Williams has been the best player on the field, he was just at the heartbeat of everything,” former England half Brown stated when working on BBC Two’s coverage.

Is George Williams the best player in Super League?

Jon Wilkin would laud the praise on George Williams, speaking on his try, his bravery, and even making the bold claim that Williams is the best in Super League.

Reacting to Brown’s initial comments, Wilkin argued: It was such a great performance from your captain because his effort and intent has been sensational but then his execution has been great.

“Not only that but he gets on the board as well. He scores what I think has been the try of the half and this is exactly what we want to see from George Williams, pushing (the ball) out of shape.”

Former Great Britain and England icon Jamie Peacock praised the brave nature of Williams try as he tucked back inside towards the middle and challenged the line, something that both Brown and Wilkin would also highlight.

😆 Our captain @George7Williams twists and turns his way to the try-line!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/AW9euh83xm

— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 27, 2024

Speaking over footage of the score, Peacock stated: “He’s got no respect for himself about getting hurt. It’s just great running from George and sheer bravery to go through there.”

Former Super League half-back Brown admitted it wasn’t something he, or most other half-backs, would do: “Most half-backs don’t do that, they’ll push someone else. I was guilty of that but the real top half-backs do that. He’s cut his ear, he’s bleeding but that’s all for the English cause.”

For Wilkin, it highlighted exactly why Williams is so revered in Super League before he boldly claimed that the Warrington man is in fact the best in the competition.

He argued: “It would be so easy for George to sit back and organise there but he’s gone for the opportunity and taken it. Kev is so right, there are not many half-backs (who would do that) and that’s why for me, George Williams is the best player in Super League.

“He didn’t win Man of Steel but for me, he is the best player in Super League.”