George Williams has his say on potential NRL return and relationship with Canberra Raiders

George Williams shocked the world when he left the NRL to return to Super League during the 2021 season.

Here was a halfback in the prime of his life, deciding to leave Australia for the UK halfway through a three-year deal with capital side Canberra Raiders.

However, homesickness had kicked in and Williams was keen to make the trip halfway across the world to be reunited with his Wigan town – but not the club.

Despite his stay at Canberra coming to a sticky end, the Warrington Wolves star has no regrets whatsoever – and he has told young players with visions of a move to Australia to go for it.

“I think everybody is different, some lads have said that they couldn’t do it and be away from home but others have asked me what it was like,” Williams said.

“I would say do it, it made me grow as a man so I always say to the young lads if you want to do it have a crack an more and more players will go over.

“There are a few young lads gone over here recently with Bailey Hodgson, Dom Young and Harry Rushton and I think it’s good for our international game in the long run, it will definitely strengthen our squad.

“I wanted to challenge myself and I’m so pleased I did do it.”

When asked if he would ever consider a return to the NRL, Williams was unsure and revealed what his relationship with former club Canberra is currently like.

“I’d never say never because I’m really happy here at Warrington, I think I’ve found a new home.

“I talk to the boys (at Canberra) regularly and I get on with them really well.

“I don’t speak to any of the staff – not Ricky Stuart (the Raiders’ head coach) or Don (Furner – Canberra’s CEO) – but I speak to the boys who I met there.”