Wigan release statement confirming George Williams will join another Super League club

Wigan Warriors have confirmed George Williams will join another Betfred Super League club after leaving Canberra.

The England half-back left Wigan to join the Raiders ahead of the 2020 season but had a deal in place which gave the Warriors first option to re-sign Williams should he return to Super League.

And after he was granted an early release from the NRL side earlier this month all roads led back to the DW Stadium, however Wigan have waived the right to bring back their former star after discussions with the player.

In a statement released on the club’s website, Wigan confirmed that Williams turned down the chance to return to take up a deal with another Super League club.

Despite the Warriors having a contract in place, they have decided against taking legal action against the 26-year-old who is a product of the Wigan Warriors academy.

Wigan Chairman, Ian Lenagan, commented: “Wigan had a signed agreement in place for George Williams to return to Wigan once his stint in the NRL had finished. During our discussions to bring him back following his decision to leave Canberra, George made it clear personally to me and to Kris Radlinski that he had had discussions with another club and, even though he appreciated what Wigan had done for him, he preferred a new challenge and hence did not want to return to Wigan.

“Wigan could have forced the issue legally but that’s not how we operate. If a player is emotionally absent, then there is no point in him being at Wigan.

“We wish George well in his career and also in life, as he embarks on life’s greatest journey as a father.”

George himself added: “Wigan acted professionally and honourably throughout and tried their very hardest to retain me such that finance was not an issue. I thank them for agreeing not to take legal action against me, even though their signed option allowed that course of action, in the spirit of allowing me to commence playing quickly again with a World Cup place for England in prospect.”