England’s head coach, Brian McDermott, has officially named George Williams as the captain of the national side for the Rugby League World Cup that will be staged next month across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The decision comes after Williams overcame a serious neck injury that required surgery in April, made a full recovery, and returned to first‑team action with the Warrington Wolves in August. Since his comeback, the former Leeds and England centre has been a driving force for Warrington, helping the club push for a place in the Super League Grand Final.
Williams’ resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. After a lengthy rehabilitation period, he slipped back onto the field with the Wolves and immediately began to make an impact, displaying the same ferocious running lines and defensive tenacity that earned him international recognition before his injury. His performances have not only helped Warrington secure a spot in the play‑off eliminator against Hull KR this Saturday – a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports – but have also convinced McDermott that Williams possesses the leadership qualities required to steer England through the World Cup campaign.
Speaking about the appointment, McDermott praised the centre’s attitude and work ethic. "I didn’t really know George at all at the start of my tenure," the coach admitted.
"In fact, I barely knew many of the squad members – I would only shake their hands after games. I normally only met George when his team beat mine back when I was at Leeds. Our record against Wigan that season was terrible, so those were the only times our paths crossed." He went on to explain how his perception of Williams changed once the two began to interact more closely. "Getting to know him has been a real pleasure.
He’s eager, driven and when he was sidelined you could always tell he would be the first to return. The form he’s showing now, the intention behind every tackle and run, is exactly what we need. He never stands still waiting for the ball – he runs onto it, chases it, and creates opportunities for his teammates. That’s classic George Williams." When Williams first broke into the first‑grade side, McDermott recalled the surprise many felt.
"We all thought, ‘who’s this guy?’ because he would constantly go after the opposition, either by beating the defender directly or by exploiting a lazy tackler inside. Over the years he’s added strength and experience, but his instinct to chase the game remains unchanged." Williams’ captaincy also implies that he will occupy one of the half‑back positions for England, a decision that raises 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 runs from 15 October to 15 November, and that the final selection will depend on form, versatility and the balance of the overall squad. "We may take a six‑eighth as a backup for the starting six‑eighth I have in mind, but I’m still undecided," McDermott said. "We certainly need another half‑back in the squad, but every additional specialist reduces the number of backs, forwards and utility players we can bring.
If a player can cover both the halves and the dummy‑half role, that flexibility becomes very valuable. The spine positions are always a tricky puzzle." He added that the upcoming play‑off finals will provide a clearer picture of who can handle the pressure of a World Cup environment.
"The big occasions test a player’s composure and decision‑making. I’ll be watching the finals closely to see who can thrive when the stakes are highest. Whether we bring one or two backup halves will ultimately be dictated by the composition of the travelling party." In addition to naming the captain, McDermott confirmed the appointment of two former England greats as his assistant coaches for the tournament: Sean O’Loughlin and Paul Wellens. Both have transitioned into coaching roles with their respective clubs – O’Loughlin with Wigan Warriors and Wellens with the North Queensland Cowboys – and will bring a wealth of experience from their distinguished playing careers.
"We’ve been in constant contact – Teams calls, phone calls, the whole lot – discussing squad selection, tactics, defensive structures and the state of the game," McDermott explained. "Both Lockers and Wello have been outstanding.
They are two of the finest players our country has produced, and they have consistently performed at the highest level internationally." He praised their professionalism and humility, noting that neither is being compensated for the extra work they are doing for the national side. "They’re full‑time with their clubs, so I’m careful not to bombard them with late‑night Zoom requests.
They never complain, and their insights have been invaluable in shaping our approach to the World Cup." The Super League play‑offs, which will determine the final composition of England’s squad, kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports at 8 pm. The following day, Warrington Wolves face Hull KR at 5.30 pm, also live on Sky Sports.
The winners will progress to the semi‑finals, scheduled for 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a to‑be‑determined opponent) and 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a to‑be‑determined opponent). The play‑off series culminates in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. As England prepares for the World Cup, the combination of a rejuvenated captain in George Williams, a seasoned coaching team, and a squad that balances youthful exuberance with seasoned reliability should give fans plenty to be optimistic about.
The tournament will test the team’s depth, adaptability and mental toughness, but with McDermott’s clear vision and the leadership of Williams at the helm, England will be eager to make a strong statement on the global stage.