England head coach Brian McDermott has officially named George Williams as the skipper for the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup, set to take place across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea between 15 October and 15 November. Williams, who endured a serious neck injury that required surgical intervention in April, made a swift and impressive comeback in August. Since his return, he has been a pivotal figure for the Warrington Wolves, driving the club’s push toward a Super League Grand Final appearance. Warrington’s next challenge comes in the form of an eliminator clash against Hull KR this Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The victor will advance to face the Wigan Warriors in the semi‑finals, with the ultimate prize – the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October – still within reach. McDermott has praised Williams’s resurgence, noting that his leadership qualities have been "really good" since returning from injury. "I didn’t really know George at all," McDermott admitted.
"In fact, I didn’t know many of the squad at all, to be fair. I’ve only ever shaken their hands after games." He went on to recall how he used to meet Williams only when their respective clubs met on the field, recalling a period when Leeds, his former side, suffered a poor record against Wigan during the regular season. "It’s been really enjoyable to get to know him," McDermott continued. "He’s keen as anything and while he was injured, you could tell if anyone was coming back early it would be him." The coach highlighted the intensity and determination that Williams now brings to the pitch.
"I’m pleased to see the form he’s in now, the intent he’s playing with. He’s not feathering about on his feet waiting for the game to come to him; he goes out and gets the game. He chases the ball and that’s George Williams all over," McDermott said.
He recalled the early days of Williams’s career when his aggressive style left teammates and opponents alike asking, "Who the hell’s this guy?" The youngster’s habit of confronting his opposite number, breaking through defensive lines, and exploiting lazy defenders quickly earned him a reputation as a relentless attacker. Over the years, McDermtt noted, Williams has added strength and experience to that raw talent, making him a more rounded and wiser player.
Williams’s appointment as captain also signals that he will almost certainly occupy one of the half‑back positions for England, prompting questions 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 three nations from mid‑October to mid‑November. "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," he explained.
"We’re certainly going to take another half. We need to take another half. But if we take two halves as cover, it impacts how many covers we have for our outside backs, our back‑rowers and the rest of the spine. Some of that will be about form, some about versatility." The coach also emphasized the value of players who can cover multiple roles.
"If a guy can play in the halves but also slot in at nine, I might favour that as well. It’s still undecided. The spine positions are always a tough call," McDermott said. He added that the upcoming finals will provide a clearer picture of who can handle the pressure of a World Cup environment.
"Can they handle the big occasion? Can they handle the game when there’s so much on the line? I’ll certainly be taking one half as backup. Whether I take two or not depends on the squad balance," he concluded.
In addition to naming his captain, McDermott confirmed that former England greats Sean O’Loughlin and Paul Wellens will serve as assistant coaches for the tournament. He described the collaborative work they have already undertaken, noting frequent video calls and strategic discussions covering everything from squad selection to defensive structures. "Both O’Loughlin and Wellens have been two of the best players our country has produced, and arguably among the top performers internationally," McDermott said. He praised their professionalism, despite the fact that they are not being paid for the extra coaching duties, and stressed the importance of respecting their club commitments with the Wigan Warriors and the Cowboys respectively.
The Super League playoffs are set to kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. The following day, Warrington Wolves will meet Hull KR at 5:30 p.m., also live on Sky Sports.
Semi‑final fixtures are scheduled for 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a to‑be‑determined opponent) and 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a to‑be‑determined opponent), both broadcast on Sky Sports. The playoff series will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, marking the climax of a season that has already produced dramatic twists, inspiring comebacks and the emergence of a new England captain ready to lead his nation on the world stage.