England's head coach, Brian McDermott, has officially named George Williams as the skipper for the national side heading into next month’s Rugby League World Cup. The decision comes after Williams overcame a serious neck injury that required surgery in April, only to make a full return to competitive play in August. Since his comeback, the Warrington Wolves stand‑out has been a pivotal figure for his club, driving them toward a coveted spot in the Super League Grand Final. Williams' journey back to peak condition has been nothing short of inspirational.
After his operation, he spent weeks in rehabilitation before being cleared to train with the Wolves. His determination saw him not only regain fitness but also rediscover the aggressive, hard‑working style that made him a fan favourite. In the weeks following his return, he has consistently delivered strong performances, showcasing both his physical resilience and his innate leadership qualities on the field.
The upcoming weekend will see Warrington take on Hull KR in the elimination round, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The victor of that clash will earn the right to face the Wigan Warriors in the semi‑finals, with the ultimate prize—a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3—still up for grabs. McDermott praised Williams’ impact, noting that his "leadership has been really good" and that his presence has lifted the entire squad. When asked about his relationship with the players, McDermott admitted, "I didn't really know George at all.
In fact, I didn't know many of the squad at all, to be fair. I've only ever shook their hands after games." He went on to recall the first time he met Williams, saying, "I normally shook George's hand after his team beat my team when I was at Leeds.
We had a horrible record against Wigan in the regular season!" The coach added that getting to know Williams has been a pleasure, emphasizing the player's eagerness and his knack for returning early from injury setbacks. McDermott highlighted Williams' playing style, describing him as a player who never hesitates to chase the ball.
"He's not feathering about on his feet and waiting for the game to come to him; he's going and getting the game. He goes and chases the game and that's George Williams all over," the coach said. He reflected on Williams' early days in first‑grade rugby, recalling the surprise many felt when the young forward burst onto the scene: "When he first broke into first grade, we all said, 'who the hell's this guy?' Because he went and got the game, he chased the game, whether he's trying to beat the bloke opposite him or quite often coming back to the inside and finding a lazy defender.
Add a few years to that and he's got a bit stronger and wiser." As captain, Williams is expected to occupy one of the half‑back positions, a decision that opens a debate about who will partner him in the halves. Several candidates are in contention, including Mikey Lewis, Jake Connor, Harry Smith and Hugo Savala.
McDermott hinted that only three of these players will travel to the World Cup, which will be staged across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from October 15 to November 15. "Whether we take a six and a seven to back up the six and a seven that I have in mind to start, I'm still not sure," McDermott explained. He stressed the importance of balance within the squad: "We're certainly going to take another half. We need to take another half.
But if we take two halves as cover, it has an impact on how many covers we have for our outside backs, what cover we have with the back rowers, what cover we have for the other spine members as well. Some of that will be to do with form, some of that will be to do with versatility as well." The coach also underscored the value of versatility in selection. "If a guy can play in the halves, but he can also play at nine, I might favour that as well. Unsure yet.
Certainly, the spine members there, it's a difficult one with the spine members." He added that the final decision will be informed by performances in the upcoming playoff finals: "I've got to see them play in finals. Everyone would understand who the spine members are going to be or what other players I'm choosing from.
But there's another couple out there that the finals will reveal. Can they handle the big occasion? Can they handle the game when there's so much on the balance? I'll certainly be taking one half as back‑up.
Whether I take two or not, it's dependent on the ship." Beyond the playing roster, McDermott confirmed that former England greats Sean O'Loughlin and Paul Wellens will serve as assistant coaches for the tournament. He praised their input, noting the extensive communication they've had via Teams calls and phone conversations. "We've had a lot of contact.
We jump on a Teams call and we've done a tonne of phone calls, just us three together, talking about squads, talking about tactics, defensive strategies, state of the game - everything we've covered," McDermott said. He highlighted the mentorship they've provided: "You've got to bear in mind that they've been two of the best players we've produced as a country and, arguably, they have been two of the better performers internationally that we've produced. No matter whether the game has been won or lost, those two have always come out of the international arena with their heads held high, so I've learned a ton off them over the last few months about rep football and international football, and the mentality towards World Cup squads and how things should be done." McDermott also noted the practical challenges of working with coaches who have club commitments: "They're not really getting paid for it, which hasn't really been a problem for them at all.
They've never mentioned it, but I've been mindful of leaning on them too much, really, but they've been great, they've been awesome." The Super League playoffs are set to kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports. The following day, Warrington Wolves face Hull KR at 5.30 pm, also on Sky Sports.
Semi‑final fixtures are scheduled for September 25 and 26, featuring Leeds Rhinos and a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent in the first semi‑final, and Wigan Warriors against another undecided side in the second. The playoff series will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, marking the climax of a season that has seen dramatic comebacks, strategic squad building, and the rise of a new England captain in George Williams.