Richard Agar opens up on why George Williams didn’t join Leeds

It was well known that Leeds had been chasing George Williams when he was released from his Canberra contract, but now Rhinos boss Richard Agar has spoken honestly about those talks that took place.

Agar had a quick link to Williams, with his dad being good friends with the Leeds head coach, but Agar knew quite quickly that the English halfback would not be joining the West Yorkshire club.

“I’m good mates with George’s dad and we did have a chat with George because quality halfbacks like that don’t come on the market very often,” Agar said.

“However, it became apparent very quickly that he didn’t want to be over this side of the Pennines from his point of view.

“Our club stressed the contract wouldn’t have been a problem but the geography wouldn’t have worked for George on a domestic level.”

Williams is likely to make his debut for Warrington against Leeds on Sunday and Agar believes the halfback will be “highly motivated”.

“George is a quality player, he’s world class, we will be unsure whether he will play on the right or left.

“The combination on how him and Blake Austin will work will be different, but George enjoys playing at Headingley – he’s told me that personally and he will want to impress on his debut.

“He will be a real threat, but I don’t think he will have had much preparation time.”