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England captain Williams to have neck surgery
TL;DR
England captain George Williams will undergo neck surgery and is uncertain about his return before the Super League season ends. He aims to recover in time for the upcoming World Cup in the autumn.
Key points
- George Williams will have neck surgery.
- He is out for an extended period due to the injury.
- Williams aims to return before the World Cup.
Mentioned in this story
George Williams
Warrington
Warrington and England captain George Williams has said he is "racing against the clock" to be fit before the end of the Super League season - with a World Cup to follow in the autumn - after confirmation that he will have surgery on a neck injury.
The 31-year-old's club had confirmed he would be out for an "extended period" with an injury sustained in the loss at Catalans on 18 April.
"I got a knock and didn't think it would be as serious as it was," the half-back told Sky Sports during Warrington's Super League game against Wigan on Friday.
"I went for a scan and it's not good news. I've had a couple of days to process it and obviously it's disappointing, but I'll have the surgery and look forward to hopefully the back end of the year."
Williams will leave Warrington at the end of the season to return to the NRL and, asked about his hopes of representing the Wire again this season, Williams added: "I'm praying with everything I've got.
"It wouldn't be a good way to go out and that's why the news was so tough to take. I'll be racing against the clock to get back and hopefully I can play here again."
The domestic season will end with the Super League Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October, with England's first match of the World Cup against Tonga in Perth, Australia scheduled for 17 October.
Williams has been captain of England since 2023.
Brian McDermott, speaking on Thursday after his appointment as England head coach, had said he "did not have any intentions" to change captains prior to the World Cup.
Speaking before kick-off, Warrington head coach Sam Burgess said: "George will probably go for surgery at some point in the next week or two.
"It's unfortunate for George and the club. There are a number of ways to look at it so we've decided to take the positive route. Given the nature of where the injury is, we're happy that we've got hold of it.
"Hopefully he can make a great recovery and we'll see him back [in action] - if it's not this year, then hopefully next year."
Q&A
What injury does England captain George Williams have?
George Williams has a neck injury that will require surgery.
When is George Williams expected to return to play?
Williams is racing against the clock to be fit before the end of the Super League season, but his return is uncertain.
What are the implications of Williams' injury for the World Cup?
Williams hopes to recover in time to represent England in the World Cup following his surgery.
