Sam Burgess doesn’t know whether Warrington Wolves captain George Williams’ season is over, but he is hoping his skipper can make it back in time for at least one more outing in a Wolves jersey.
Williams, who is heading to the NRL in 2027, picked up a neck injury in last week’s defeat to Catalans Dragons.
Scan results have shown the injury to be much worse than first thought, and the England captain will require surgery in order for it to heal.
With recovery time frames heavily varied for these kind of injuries, Burgess is hoping he will be able to name his skipper in a 17 at some point again, however it is not a guarantee.
Asked by the press whether Williams had played his final Warrington game, the boss said: “I think it’s a little bit early for that.
“It’s quite a sensitive issue that he’s got with his neck.
“We have to be really mindful that we’re all careful with George and making sure we make good decisions for him and his long-term health.
“We’re not going to rush anything, or George is not, but he’ll need surgery on it and I guess it’s just how it recovers.
“I don’t know, never say never, but I guess time will tell. It’s a very tricky one.
“It’s not a definitive recovery time, it can range from three to four months or it can be known where it’s much longer, 12 months.
“I think Alex Walmsley had a similar surgery and was 12 months, but his is a bit more damaging than Alex’s.”
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George Williams gives update on neck injury as Warrington Wolves captain set for lengthy spell on sidelines
During Wire’s win last night, Williams was interviewed by Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks, with the half-back himself providing how the accident happened and what his plans now are.
“I got a knock last week in Catalans,” he explained. “I didn’t think it would be as serious as it was but it’s not good news.
“I’ve had a couple of days to process it. It’s obviously disappointing but I just need to get the surgery now and look forward to hopefully getting back at the back end of the year.
He too was asked if he would take to the field again this year, to which he replied: “I’m praying with everything I’ve got. It wouldn’t be a good way to go out. That’s why the news was so tough to take.
“I’ll be racing against the clock to get back and hopefully I can play here again.”
