Warrington Wolves captain George Williams could have played his last game for the club and is set for neck surgery, head coach Sam Burgess has revealed.
Williams, in the final year of his contract after joining Warrington in 2021, is confirmed to be returning to the NRL for 2027, with expectation he is heading to the Dolphins. He suffered the neck injury during Warrington’s defeat by Catalans Dragons in France last week.
Burgess told Sky Sports ahead of Warrington’s 23-6 victory over Wigan that Williams will undergo surgery within the next fortnight. He explained the situation is sensitive and recovery times vary widely — from around three to four months up to 12 months in some cases. Burgess cited Alex Walmsley, who had a similar operation and took about a year to return, noting Walmsley’s case involved more damage.
“It is quite a sensitive issue with his neck. We are mindful of that and are not going to rush anything. He will need surgery,” Burgess said. “You have to be really mindful, and we have to make good decisions for him and his long-term health. We’re not going to rush him… Never say never [on Williams playing his last game for Warrington], but I guess time will tell.”
With just over five months remaining in the Super League season, it is unclear whether Williams will wear the primrose and blue again this year.
The injury also complicates plans for newly appointed England head coach Brian McDermott, who said in his first interview that he intends to keep Williams as England captain. “I think George does a tremendous job,” McDermott said. “He’s really good. I admire him… I don’t have any intentions of changing the captaincy.” If Williams’ recovery runs long, McDermott may face an early selection decision ahead of the World Cup in Australia starting in October.
2026 Super League — key dates and what to look out for
– Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6 — Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6.30pm UK (Sky Sports)
– Magic Weekend: July 4–5
– Rivals Round reversed: July 23–26
– Elimination Play-offs: September 19–20
– Play-off semi-finals: September 26–27
– Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford
Sky Sports will again show every Super League game live this season, including two exclusive live matches each round, with the remaining fixtures available via Sky Sports+.