Warrington Wolves captain George Williams issues injury update ahead of Ashes series

Warrington Wolves and England captain George Williams believes he is progressing well in order to be ready to face the Australia in the Ashes series that starts in under a month’s time. 

England, who will host the Ashes for the first time since 2003, will take on the Kangaroos in a three-match Test series, with games held at Wembley, Everton and Headingley in what is expected to be a blockbuster contest.

Head coach Shaun Wane is expected to name his side for the series on October 15, just days after the Super League Grand Final, and the former Wigan boss is set to have a huge boost, with skipper Williams set to be back available following an injury that hampered the back-end of his season.

The 30-year-old, who looks set to re-join the NRL in 2027 with the Dolphins, has revealed what it’s like to be part of the England set-up, and how excited he and the team are to get the chance to face the World Champions.

In a column he wrote for BBC Sport, he said: “We’ve been waiting that long now. It’s been in the pipeline for a long time so it’s exciting. Everyone’s the same: The fans, the players, the coaches, the media.

“We’ve had chances as a team to get together. We’ve had two meet-ups in the past five weeks, so we’ve been among each other a fair bit… Shaun Wane has got us prepared and ready and we know what’s needed in this country for the game to grow and for us to win the series.

England last won the Ashes in 1970, meaning they would break a feat not done by any other side in over half a century should they emerge victorious in the autumn. The Kangaroos have been dealt with some selection blows, with star prop Payne Haas choosing to represent Samoa, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow injured and James Tedesco making himself unavailable due to attending his brother’s wedding.

Meanwhile, England are set to get their captain back at the right time, with the Warrington captain set for a return to the international stage.

He suffered an aggravation to a shoulder injury that ruled him out for the final three games of the year. Here, he discussed his injury issues, and admitted it wasn’t the preparation he would have ideally wanted heading into such a big series.

He said: “My preparation for the series has been slightly affected, as I had to miss the end of Warrington’s season. I had a small nerve issue. We play injured all the time, but I had to get myself right, which meant avoiding contact, and it’s getting better and stronger every day.

“We had to let it settle. I’ve been doing things in rehab and testing where it’s at with movement, along with the rest I needed.”

Half-back is one of many positions up for debate for England, with Mikey Lewis and Jake Connor all staking their claim to be England’s starting six and seven. Loose forward is another position that is up for grabs, with Victory Radley’s withdrawal putting Morgan Knowles and Morgan Smithies the favourite for the spot. In the video below, Serious About RL writers discussed who they think should take the Sydney Roosters man’s spot.

“Playing against the best” – England captain relishing Australia contest

Williams is looking forward to testing himself against some of the best players in the world when the Green and Gold make the trip to the UK. Stars such as Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh look set to be included in coach Kevin Walters squad, the latter of whom will take part in the NRL Grand Final this Sunday.

England will be bolstered by some of their current stars in the NRL flying home to be part of the squad. Morgan Smithies, Herbie Farnworth and Dominic Young are three of the players expected to be part of the squad, in what will be a huge boost to coach Wane.

Williams can’t wait to get out there and showing what England can do, following a disappointing exit at the semi-final stage in the most recent World Cup.

“We know we’re playing against the best,” said Williams. “They deserve that title because they have been the best for a long, long time.

“Now for us, it’s about showing that we’re heading in the right direction. To beat the best would be a good indication of that.

He added: “I have a few mates playing over in the NRL – there are the English lads out there, such as Herbie Farnworth and Morgan Smithies.

“We know what we’re up against. The Australians could probably name three or four different teams of quality players, so whatever we come across we’ve got to be ready.