Williams named England captain for Rugby League World Cup — SkimNews
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- George Williams confirmed by head coach Brian McDermott as England captain for the Rugby League World Cup, which runs October 15 to November 15 across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
- Williams returned from neck surgery in April to action in August and has since starred for Warrington Wolves, with McDermott praising his intent: "He's going and getting the game. He goes and chases the game and that's George Williams all over."
- McDermott indicated only three half-backs will travel to the World Cup, with Mikey Lewis, Jake Connor, Harry Smith, and Hugo Savala competing for the remaining spot(s) and final decisions hinging on play-off performances.
- Sean O'Loughlin and Paul Wellens confirmed as England assistant coaches, with McDermott calling them "two of the best players we've produced as a country" and noting they are working unpaid alongside their club roles.
- Warrington Wolves face Hull KR in the Super League eliminators this Saturday, live on Sky Sports, with the winner advancing to face Wigan Warriors before the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Why it matters: Williams' appointment locks in one half-back spot and forces McDermott into a tight selection squeeze for the remaining spine places, with only three of the four candidates (Lewis, Connor, Smith, Savala) making the trip. The Super League play-offs now double as England's World Cup trials, making this week's eliminators a direct audition for the backup half-back role.
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