George Williams says “sky is the limit” for in-form England duo

Drew Darbyshire
George Williams England SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

George Williams says the sky is the limit for the two youngest players in England’s World Cup squad – Dom Young and Jack Welsby.

It’s hard to believe that towering winger Young and utility back Jack Welsby are only 21 years of age. The pair have been key in helping Shaun Wane’s side qualify for the quarter-finals with a group game to spare.

Young was called up to the England squad after scoring 18 tries in 26 appearances for Newcastle Knights in the NRL; and Young bagged braces in each of his two games for England.

“We’ve got young Dom who is probably the most athletic player I’ve seen,” Williams said.

“I’ve played with some pretty athletic blokes but he’s up there. He’s 6ft 6in, fast, strong and you’ve seen how he moves.

“The sky is the limit for that bloke. I think being in Australia will do him the world of good. He’s got all the attributes but he does the tough stuff out of yardage too which is massive.”

Welsby, meanwhile, has been part of the Saints squad that has won the last four Super League titles.

“He’s a talent,” Williams said. “He’s just a natural rugby player.

“Put him on the wing, full-back, half or even in the middle he’d be able to create something. He’s a good kid too, he’s willing to learn.

“He’s done a lot already in his career but he’s always listening and trying to get better. He understands the game and he’s another one where the sky is the limit.”

George Williams confident England can win World Cup

England thrashed star-studded Samoa 60-6 in the opening game of the World Cup, and beat France 42-18 in their second game on Saturday.

Williams remains confident England can achieve something special on home soil this autumn.

“We are confident,” Williams told Love Rugby League.

“We aren’t getting too carried away but the belief in the group is good. Even before the Samoa game the belief was there. Even after the game more people got behind us and believed that we could do something special. Waney talked about that Samoa game for about 18 months on Zoom!

“We are heading in the right direction and there’s a little bit to fix but we are on our journey and week by week we want to improve.”

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