Warrington Wolves make George Williams decision

Warrington Wolves face Catalans Dragons today marking the second meeting of the two this season with Sam Burgess’ side hoping to avenge the Round One loss.

So far that was the only loss that Burgess has incurred as head coach at Warrington with the Wire winning their following five Super League games as well as progressing to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Perhaps more impressive is that a number of those wins have come without England captain George Williams with the half-back absent for four matches this season, including the last two.

Williams had earlier this season revealed that he had a “niggle” in his ankle but he was named in Warrington Wolves’ 21-man squad for this top-four clash.

Catalans have also had an impressive start to the season, losing just once as they’ve incredibly managed to limit teams to an average of less than 11 points whilst scoring 25 themselves.

The Dragons are without Arthur Mourgue today, the full-back not named in the 21-man squad but having already beaten Warrington once, they’ll be confident of getting another result.

All eyes will be on whether George Williams takes to the field or not though with his presence sure to make Warrington Wolves favourites for the game given his immense quality.

Is George Williams playing?

Warrington Wolves have now confirmed their matchday squad and George Williams does indeed start and it’s Leon Hayes who partners him in the halves meaning that the youngster plays ahead of former Dragon Josh Drinkwater.

The Wolves are also boosted by the return of Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Ben Currie who form part of a formidable pack with in-form James Harrison and Paul Vaughan.

Rodrick Tai starts again in the centres whilst the mercurial Matt Dufty anchors the back five that has a threat on either wing with Josh Thewlis and Matty Ashton.

As for Catalans, they’re understrength with key playmakers Arthur Mourgue, Theo Fages and Jayden Nikorima all missing.

That means that Jordan Abdull is paired in the halves with young Ugo Tison whilst hooker Cesar Rouge moves to full-back.

Warrington Wolves Team

1 – Matt Dufty
2 – Josh Thewlis
3 – Toby King
14 – Rodrick Tai
5 – Matty Ashton
6 – George Williams
18 – Leon Hayes
8 – James Harrison
9 – Danny Walker
10 – Paul Vaughan
28 – Adam Holroyd
12 – Lachlan Fitzgibbon
11 – Ben Currie
Interchanges
Joe Philbin
Zane Musgrove
Jordy Crowther
Sam Powell

Catalans Dragons Team

17 – Cesar Rouge
2 – Tom Davies
3 – Arthur Romano
21 – Matt Ikuvalu
24 – Tom Johnstone
27 – Jordan Abdull
18 – Ugo Tison
16 – Romain Navarrete
9 – Michael McIlorum
10 – Julian Bousquet
11 – Tariq Sims
8 – Mike McMeeken
13 – Benjamin Garcia
Interchanges
Paul Seguier
Bayley Sironen
Chris Satae
Jordan Dezaria