English halfback homesick, prompting calls for a sensational Super League return

Canberra Raiders are reportedly aware that English star George Williams is homesick, according to Nine News’ Danny Weidler.

Weidler revealed that the Raiders know that the halfback wants to return to the UK, but have talked to his agent and pleaded he remain at Canberra.

It places some sort of doubt over his NRL future, having been separated from his family throughout the pandemic.

“The Canberra Raiders are are aware that their star English half George Williams is homesick – they’ve talked to his agent and asked him to stay put. The club understands it’s been difficult with Covid and not seeing family and will put support around him,” Weidler tweeted.

BREAKING: @RaidersCanberra are are aware that their star English half George Williams is homesick – they’ve talked to his agent and asked him to stay put. The club understands it’s been difficult with Covid and not seeing family and will put support around him. @9NewsSyd

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) May 3, 2021

Williams has made 29 first-team appearances for the Raiders since joining the club ahead of the 2020 season, but the Englishman made his name at Wigan – where he played 178 games. That has since prompted calls for a sensational return, especially with the news that Warriors halfback Jackson Hastings will be returning to the NRL at the end of 2021.

The news has come at the worst possible time for Canberra and head coach Ricky Stuart with the club enduring a difficult spell on the pitch of late.

Williams injured his hamstring in the warm-up of Thursday’s 34-20 defeat to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Raiders fourth consecutive defeat ahead of a tough run of fixtures.

Though the former Wigan man is expected to make a quick return to action, there are now greater fears around his future in the Australian capital with many predicting Williams will follow John Bateman back to England.