Warrington Wolves and England captain George Williams believes the decision to get rid of Shaun Wane as the nation’s head coach was the wrong one.
Wane parted ways the role at the beginning of January, after almost six years in charge. There has currently been no confirmation of his successor, despite the 2026 Rugby League World Cup taking place in just eight months time.
Williams and Wane go back years, and it was at Wigan Warriors where the two first interacted. The half-back was breaking through to the Warriors first-team, where Wane was head coach, and together they won a number of trophies including two Grand Finals.
Speaking to Serious About Rugby League at the Super League media launch, the former Canberra Raiders man was asked whether he thought Wane’s departure was the correct call.
“No, I was really disappointed that he lost the job,” said Williams. “I think If you speak to all the players, I think they’d all say the same thing.
“[I’m] really gutted. I think he’s done a great job over the six years. He’s been in the job a long time and he’s built throughout and I felt he was building up for the Ashes.
“We had some good series wins over Samoa and Tonga, so I can’t credit Waney enough.
“He gave me my debut back when I was 18 at Wigan, so we go way back and he’s a coach that everybody loves playing for.
“I’m disappointed that he’s lost his job, but moving forward, we’ve got to crack on and we’ll see what happens.”
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Warrington Wolves captain tips head coach for potential England head coach role
One man who has been heavily linked with taking over from Wane, is Williams’ current head coach at Warrington, Sam Burgess.
The NRL legend is one of England’s greatest ever players, and according to the 30-year-old, that makes him a solid candidate.
“He’s English, he’s passionate. He’s obviously been there and done it,” Williams explained.
“Sam’s a great leader of men. I always say that. When he talks, you listen. You walk into a room, he’s got the aura.
“When someone’s been there and done what he’s done within the game for his country, I’m sure he’d be a great man to lead us out.”
England will take on Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea at this year’s World Cup, and with only four teams advancing from the group stage, the opening game against the Tongans looks to be a decider for who claims the fourth and final spot.
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John Andrews
February 6, 2026 at 6:44 pm
WAYNE WAS ALWAYS GONNA BE CONTROVERSIAL TBH WITH ALL HIS WIGAN AN EXWIGAN BIM CHUMS WILL BE THE SAME IF BURGESS TAKES CHARGE SO JUST GET BRIAN MAC IN BE REET!
Eric T Cat
February 6, 2026 at 7:17 pm
Of course he’s gutted, a new coach may pick players based on form and merit not “credit in the bank”. In my opinion Williams shouldn’t have played in the test series, Lewis, Connor, with Smith as the backup.