Warrington star George Williams prepared for “weird” reunion with Wigan
Warrington star George Williams will face his former club Wigan for the first time
He was not ready to make his Wolves debut when they played Wigan at the end of July but will face a reunion at St James’ Park on Sunday in the Dacia Magic Weekend.
“It’s going to be pretty weird,” Williams said. “Obviously I’m Wigan born and bred and was a Wigan fan growing up.
“It’s definitely going to be a strange one, it’s something I’ve never done before, but I can’t get caught up in that.
“It is my old team but I’ve played for Canberra too. I’m a Warrington Wolves player now and I’ve got to do my job for the team on Sunday.
“It was always going to be a tough decision but, speaking to Warrington, it was a new challenge and where the club is going really excites me. I’m pleased with my decision.”
Williams, who spent seven seasons with his hometown club, says the banter has already begun with his old team-mate Oliver Gildart.
“I was with him yesterday so the chat has started already,” he said. “I’ve known him since we were 11 but I only played against him once, at school.
“Joe Burgess was in the same team and they pumped us by 40. He reckons he’s going to skin me on the outside but it’s just normal chat, having a laugh.”
Williams has started the last four matches for his new club and is confident his partnership with his old England team-mate Gareth Widdop is starting to flourish.
“I’m trying to find my feet in the team now,” he said. “We’ve not had too many games together but Gaz is a great player and he’s been really good this year.
“He’s probably Warrington’s go-to man so I’m just happy to be at the side of him and do the best for the team.
“Hopefully we can complement each other and showcase our partnership at the back end of the year.”
Warrington will have skipper Jack Hughes, winger Josh Charnley and prop Mike Cooper back in a virtual full-strength team for the clash between the teams placed third and fourth in the table.
The Wolves’ only absentee will be winger Tom Lineham, who will be missing for at least the next two games after picking up his latest suspension.
