Kristian Woolf gives verdict on George Williams reports as Warrington Wolves dealt player swap blow

Warrington Wolves have been handed a blow with Dolphins head coach Kristian Woolf speaking out on reports linking them to George Williams.

Initially reported by All Out Rugby League, Warrington seem to have conceded that their captain George Williams will leave the club either at the end of his contract in 2026 or even at the end of this year.

An early exit would require either a transfer fee or a player swap with Dolphins playmaker Kodi Nikorima mentioned, whilst Australian reports put the price tag at $400,000 for the Warrington Wolves skipper.

The Dolphins, who have just confirmed the signing of Selwyn Cobbo for the 2026 season, already have one of the rising stars of the NRL in Isaiya Katoa and looked to be targeting Williams to play alongside him but head coach Kristian Woolf has claimed that they’re actually linked to plenty more.

“We’ve been linked to every half or five-eighth that’s looked like coming off-contract,” Woolf joked per The Daily Telegraph.

Warrington Wolves’ hopes of a player swap deal ended

He’d also go on to address the reports linking the club with Warrington Wolves’ star man, recalling the times he had coached against Williams in Super League whilst serving as head coach of St Helens.

Woolf also shut down any suggestion of Kodi Nikorima heading to Warrington Wolves, seemingly meaning the Phins would either pay a transfer fee or wait until the end of 2026 to secure Williams’ services.

Woolf said: “I don’t want to talk about ifs and buts. He (Williams) is a very good player. I’ve coached against him plenty of times.

“I saw the report yesterday. Kodi Nikorima is not up for sale or going to be swapped. That’s not going to happen.”

Speaking more about Nikorima, he added: “Kodi’s a really integral part of our team. He’s got a big role and presence. I really enjoy his company and coaching him.

“He’s playing his best footy at the moment. I love what he’s doing. That’s one thing we wouldn’t entertain.”

Whether the Dolphins would be willing to stump up money for Williams is yet to be seen but a player swap would have arguably suited Warringon more given the lack of experience they have alongside Marc Sneyd.

Sneyd is contracted until the end of 2026 but youngsters Oli Leyland and Leon Hayes would be the only options alongside him, both having injury issues and a lack of experience. Teenager Ewan Irwin would be another even more inexperienced option for Warrington to potentially have to replace George Williams with.