Canberra hit back against George Williams in defiant statement

Canberra have denied George Williams’s claims they kicked the ex-Wigan halfback out of the NRL club, arguing they did all they could to ease his homesickness, the West Australian has reported.

The Raiders granted the halfback an immediate release from the final 18 months of his contract after he was a no-show at training and made himself unavailable for Saturday’s game against the Sydney Roosters.

The decision did not come at the specific request of Williams, who had been trying to leave the club at the end of the season and had recently been denied a third request for an early request.

In response, Williams took to social media to claim that “instead of supporting (him) the club kicked (him) out the door”.

In a statement released on Thursday, the club defended its handling of the matter, outlining what it feels was the adequate support it provided to Williams.

“We were optimistic we could put measures in place to allow George to see out the duration of his contract,” the statement read.

“His family situation was discussed internally, and the club offered George the support to ensure he and his partner could have an extended stay in England during the 2022 pre-season so they could be surrounded by family.

“George’s final request for a release came on Monday evening. The following day George withdrew from training and the upcoming match against the Roosters.

“This decision prompted the club to offer George an immediate release given the stress this was evidently causing he and his partner, thereby giving them the opportunity to return home earlier.”