George Williams on the Warrington Wolves joke he ‘hates’

Warrington Wolves are having a brilliant season leading to fans and pundits alike asking the inevitable question. Could it really be their year? The club’s half-back George Williams has given his verdict whilst also revealing that he “hates” the question and joke.

It’s the longest-running joke in rugby league but there are legitimate reasons to ask if 2024 is finally Warrington Wolves’ year. Under Sam Burgess, the club look completely different and they’ve got the experience of a major final under their belt now, albeit in a loss in the Challenge Cup Final.

Despite that result, it’s an event that will only add to the experience of their squad and could offer lessons for their upcoming playoff games. It’s yet to be determined who Warrington will play but they’re almost certain to make the top six and could still even crack the top two and guarantee a home semi-final.

George Williams has recently appeared on Sky Sports’ The Bench Podcast with Jenna and Jon where he was inevitably asked the question. His initial response was blunt.

“I hate that joke, I really do,” the England captain clapped back.

Is it really Warrington Wolves’ year?

Warrington haven’t won the league in 69 years and one of the major reasons why Williams signed for the Wolves was to end that streak.

He revealed: “That’s why I came to Warrington, to win, and people might laugh at that but it’s not funny. I’m still striving for that.”

He’d also note the experience of the Challenge Cup Final and how it will likely aid the squad in the long run.

“I’m hoping so (that it will be Warrington’s year). We’ve made massive leaps and bounds. I think the Challenge Cup final was disappointing, but I think it was good for the group.

“I think 11 lads had not played in a final before and hadn’t been on the big stage and experienced it. It caught us off guard, I think. As a whole, you could tell Wigan had been there in a few finals over the last 18 months, and they beat us on the day.

“Now we’ve beat Wigan the other week so there’s a lot more belief within the group. I think they’re the only team we’d not beaten this year. So, yeah, why not? I’m striving for that, that’s what I’m going for every single day.

“Yeah it might not happen but that’s the best goal.”

Warrington Wolves face Leeds Rhinos at Magic Weekend on Saturday and they’ll be hoping for a much-improved performance than those of late after dodging a bullet against London Broncos and losing to Hull KR in their two games since defeating champions Wigan.