The best half-back: George Williams hailed after England’s stunning win over Samoa

Drew Darbyshire 15 Oct 2022 6:11 PM

George Williams England SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

England captain Sam Tomkins was full of praise for half-back George Williams following their emphatic win over Samoa in the opening game of the World Cup.

Shaun Wane’s side kicked off their World Cup campaign in the best way possible thanks to a stunning 60-6 win over Samoa.

Warrington half-back Williams proved why he is the best half-back in Super League, according to England skipper Tomkins.

“I thought there were a lot of players, where if they had got man of the match, it wouldn’t have been a surprise,” Tomkins said after the game.

“I thought George Williams was outstanding. A lot of the things he did was stuff you guys might not notice like the talk on the field. He got a hold of the team.

“I’m George’s biggest fan. I think he’s brilliant when he’s on. He’s had a tough season with Warrington but I think this was the opportunity for George to show just how good he is.

“I think he’s the best half-back in our competition (Super League) and he went a long way to showing that today.”

Shaun Wane praises George Williams after stellar display

Victor Radley, who won his first England cap, received the man of the match award from the BBC.

Wane was satisfied with Radley’s display and picked out the performances of Kallum Watkins, Tomkins and Williams as highlights.

“George was brilliant,” Wane said. “My mentality is that I’ll be happy but I’ll never be satisfied.

“I’ll always want him to talk more and I want him to do better. We’re not that sort of nation, we’re not the sort of people to pat ourselves on the back or get carried away.

“We know Samoa play better than what they did today, a lot of that was down to the way we defended and attacked, but we’re not going round thinking we can’t improve. That’s not the English way. We have to get better and we will improve. We’ll have a good week this week and get ready for France and Greece.”

Wane confirmed no fresh injuries in the English camp. He also said the players that were left out at St James’ Park will feature against France next week.