“Never say never” – Warrington Wolves man refuses to rule out NRL switch

Warrington Wolves star and England captain George Williams has spoken on his future beyond his current deal at the club with both the NRL and a move into punditry discussed.

Williams made the admissions on Sky Sports’ The Bench Podcast with Jenna and Jon where he addressed his recent foray into punditry with hosts Jon Wilkin and Jenna Brooks.

The England captain worked on Sky Sports to cover a recent Super League game and he also has a column writing for the BBC but at 29, he still has plenty of his playing career left.

That said, he’s admitted he potentially won’t be playing into his middle or late 30s as his friend and England captaincy predecessor Sam Tomkins is doing after the Catalans full-back came back out of retirement aged 35 earlier this year.

In reference to Tomkins’ surprise comeback, Williams explained: “I’m 29 now so I’d be really happy if I’m still playing in six years.”

George Williams gives update on his future after Warrington Wolves deal

Williams is currently contracted to remain with Warrington Wolves until the end of the 2026 season, by which time he will be 31, approaching 32, and whilst he’s conceded that his age could rule him out of a return to the NRL, he has not ruled it out.

After discussing his time with the Canberra Raiders, Williams was asked about a return down under.

He explained: “Would I go back to Australia? I might be too old. I’ve got two more years at Warrington after this, so that’ll make me 31-ish. Never say never, you never know, but I’m really happy with Warrington and how it’s going.”

Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has recently signed a contract extension until the end of the 2026 season when Williams’ current deal expires, and with Burgess likely destined for the NRL then perhaps he could take the England skipper with him as a familiar leader.

It would be unlikely though with few players making the move at such an age, however, more and more players are moving into punditry with Sam Tomkins and Kyle Amor being two of the most recent examples.

Williams has dipped his toe in already and explained that it’s something he is now “more open to” than he previously was, although he conceded that ultimately he’s unclear on what his future beyond 2026 holds.

“I’m pretty new to it, to be honest, but I feel like I’m more open to it. I don’t think I’ve done too much of it but if you asked me it five years ago I would have said ‘No chance’.  I wouldn’t have been confident enough to do it so it’s a stepping stone for me I think.

“I’ve been looking at certain things but I don’t want to go into it and not be committed so once I’m in I’m all in, so I’ll see what it is. I don’t know what that is yet but I’m sure I’ll commit to it.”