Sam Burgess makes major George Williams decision

Warrington Wolves face the stiff task of Hull KR tonight and Sam Burgess has made one of the first major calls of his coaching career with George Williams deemed fit to start.

England captain George Williams missed Round Two and Round Three with what he described as a “niggle” when speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Warrington’s clash with Hull FC.

The club have actually managed to win both games that Williams has been absent with young Leon Hayes stepping up to the plate and impressing.

Hayes had partnered Josh Drinkwater in the past two games but the Australian wasn’t named in the 21-man squad on Tuesday, whereas Williams was.

His return is a major boost with Warrington heading to Craven Park to face a Hull KR side that will be intent on getting back in the win column.

With Williams back in the fray Warrington are operating a very strong side with last week’s Man of the Match Matt Dufty anchoring the back line that features two-try Matty Ashton.

Connor Wrench returns which means Stefan Ratchford misses out.

📋 TEAM NEWS with @CheshireMould

George Williams, Connor Wrench and Jordy Crowther all return to the side tonight pic.twitter.com/d5At4rZopQ

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) March 7, 2024

Rovers were one of the few sides without any injury issues and have been able to name their side without the worry of suspension as well.

That has seen Mikey Lewis once again named alongside Tyrone May in the halves with the duo looking to click and form a formidable partnership.

The Robins will be playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Craven Park with Willie Peters having praised the support when he spoke to the press on Tuesday. That support then showed just how loyal they were when tickets to the Hull derby at the end of the month were sold out within four hours.

Niall Evalds returns to start for Rovers in place of Joe Burgess whilst Peta Hiku remains at full-back to face his former club.

Here’s how the Robins will line up tonight! 💪#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/zaDCBen5S9

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) March 7, 2024

Willie Peters labels George Williams as Super League’s best

The return of George Williams will play a huge factor in how the game pans out given his excellent ability, a level of ability that Hull KR head coach Willie Peters believes sets the Wire number six apart.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Peters said: “They’ve got a well-balanced team. They’ve got good halves, they’ve got some balance there, they’ve got the young kid coming through but obviously, we’re expecting George to come back this week.”

Asked if Williams is the best in Super League right now, Peters responded in kind before explaining what makes the England captain so special.

“I think George is definitely. I mean, he’s obviously the England halfback. I rate George, he’s a very, very good player.

“The reason why I rate him so much is because I’ve seen him do it in the Super League and I’ve seen him do it in the NRL. what he did for the Canberra and what he did over there. He was cutting teams apart like he does here.

“I’ve got a hell of a lot of respect for George and know what he’s going to bring. But as I say, it’s a good test for us because you want to play against the best. The players want to play and test themselves against the best. Mikey Lewis up against George Williams, it’s, that’s great for him and it’s only gonna make him a better player and grow even more.”

Thankfully, we do get to see both George Williams and Mikey Lewis take the field and do battle.

Hull KR Squad

Peta Hiku
Niall Evalds
Tom Opacic
Oliver Gildart
Ryan Hall
Tyrone May
Mikey Lewis
Dean Hadley
Jez Litten
Jai Whitbread
Kelepi Tanginoa
James Batchelor
Elliot Minchella
INTERCHANGES
Sauaso Sue
George King
Matt Parcell
Sam Luckley

Warrington Wolves Squad

Matt Dufty
Josh Thewlis
Toby King
Connor Wrench
Matty Ashton
George Williams
Leon Hayes
James Harrison
Danny Walker
Paul Vaughan
Adam Holroyd
Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Ben Currie
INTERCHANGES
Joe Philbin
Jordy Crowther
Zane Musgrove
Sam Powell