George William's released by Canberra

[Dan2266]

People now reporting Warrington were close to a deal with Williams for 2022, that fits what was said about Wigan being worried he would sign for them, it also fits what was said by another user that Warrington had made a very very good offer. my this morning was because it now looks very very very unlikely he goes anywhere else other than Wigan.

[Fan4Fifty]

If all this comes off with GW does it solve our goalkicking problem as well? It's only been for a few weeks I know, but George has been at nearly 90% for Canberra recently.

[widdenoldboy]

George has been playing well for Canberra this season and seems to have developed the ability to lead the line. Canberra have been erratic of late with George playing behind a beaten pack, good experience if he comes home

[pedro]

hes been better than Wighton for 2 years and they will see how much they miss him this weekend

[moto748]

On George's kicking: can I suggest that one reason why his percentage looks so high is that Canberra's leaden attack don't score that many tries in the corners as most teams do, but rather barge-over tries from the pack, which are more likely to be central.

[widdenoldboy]

I'd settle for that here as long as we win.

George put one over from the touchline recently.

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors receive George Williams lifeline after Canberra Raiders release

Exclusive: George Williams appeared to be on his way to Warrington until being granted an immediate release

Wigan Warriors' hopes of signing George Williams have received a lifeline after it appeared that the former halfback was drawing close to a move to Warrington Wolves.

Rugby League Live can reveal that Williams had held extensive talks with the Wire and a move to the Wolves looked set to be his most likely next step, should he receive a release from Canberra.

Warrington are understood to have made Williams an offer to become their marquee player and despite interest from Wigan, it was the Halliwell Jones that appeared to be his next destination, despite the Warriors having the first option to talk to their former halfback.

However, the Wolves' attempts to lure the England halfback to the club could have hit a major stumbling block after Williams was released with immediate effect by the Raiders on Tuesday.

Canberra's decision to wash their hands of Williams came as a shock to everyone, including Williams himself. The 26-year-old had made it clear that he wished to return to the UK at the end of the season but did not expect to be returning before then.

Crucially, neither did Warrington, and it has left them with a problem to contend with should they wish to get the deal done.

Williams is now pursuing an immediate move to Super League, but that comes with challenges for the Wolves, who do not have the cap space to bring Williams to the club at present.

On the other hand, Wigan have significant cap space to get a deal done right now after George Burgess, the club's previous marquee player, retired before the season started.

Williams would only take up £75,000 on Wigan's salary cap due to being a homegrown player, another plus for the Warriors in their pursuit of their former star.

Warrington had not finalised a deal with Williams meaning he can still sign elsewhere, an opportunity that Wigan can present him. The Warriors has also held extensive negotiations with the Great Britain star.

Williams is understood to be keen on a return to the field as soon as possible, with one eye on the World Cup at the end of the year.

As a result, Warrington are in a position where they will need to move on a significant earner to free up space for Williams if they are to land him straight away, or risk losing out to one of their nearest rivals.

The other option is for Williams to sign a short-term deal with another club before linking up with Wire next year. That, however, appears unlikely.

As such, the sudden change may very well have fallen very favourably for the Warriors.

Leeds are also monitoring the situation but a move to Headingley appears highly unlikely at this stage.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... dium=email

[CheshireWarrior]

Is the delay in Williams signing because Newcastle Thunder have made their interest know to George's manager?

[Caboosegg]

"The club is in contact with his manager, they have touched base with him, but there's plenty of water that needs to pass under the bridge."

Well that's not a good statement to read.

[keptinthedarkfans]

Not looking good reading between lines looks like does not want to come back to Wigan. And if as expected was signing for wire any way so never on cards to come back.As someone first alluded to the first option clause not worth paper its wrote on so pointless even having clause in. Bit disappointed but not surprised. I really hope Dan is right and we will have good start to weekend.