George Williams wants to end “it’s always our year” joke

George Williams has promised Warrington fans that winning the Grand Final is an absolute priority, to banish the “ongoing joke” that it’s always their year.

The England half-back says he has felt the love at the Wire, after experiencing some hatred in Australia when his time with Canberra turned sour.

And the 27-year-old believes that after four Grand Final defeats in their four visits to Old Trafford, Warrington can go close to dethroning St Helens and winning the big one for the first time.

“Not winning it is an ongoing joke so we know that is the priority,” said Williams.

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“Credit to Saints it’s really hard to do what they’ve done. But we won’t be clapping them for too long, we want to knock them off their perch like every other team.

“Catalans went really well last year and Leeds have signed really well. There are a lot of clubs in the mix.”

Williams says he is relishing the prospect of a full season in the Warrington halves with England team-mate Gareth Widdop.

The carrot of a home World Cup at the end of 2022 may have come a year late, but Williams says the prospect remains a huge personal drive for the season ahead.

And the former NRL star admits he was disappointed with the decision taken by bosses in Australia not to send its players for the scheduled tournament last Autumn.

“It was disappointing,” he told Love Rugby League.

“But Covid obviously took over and I am praying it will happen this year, I’m praying it will go ahead.

“The World Cup is always in mind as it’s as good as it gets, and that starts from round one.”

A return to the NRL?

George Williams remains proud of his time in Australia where he sparkled before cutting short his second season with the Raiders to return to the UK. 

It was a decision that sparked a frenzy of negative media publicity and one that ultimately left some torched bridges with the Canberra hierarchy. 

Yet Williams refuses to rule out the possibility of a career swansong Down Under, despite his focus on the project in place at Warrington.

“I would never say never. But I’m not too sure as I’m really happy here at Warrington. 

“I feel like I have found a new home so would like to see out the rest of my career here but you never say never. 

“I still speak to the boys regularly. You build friendships and memories. I don’t speak to any of the staff and I don’t speak to Ricky Stuart or the CEOs but that’s just how it ended. No bad feelings.”

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