“George Williams is as good as anyone on his day”

Drew Darbyshire

Wigan star George Williams has earned praise of the highest order from Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett.

The 24-year-old – who is set to join Canberra Raiders for 2020 – has earned 10 international caps for England to date.

Williams started all three games in the halves for England in their 2-1 Test series win over New Zealand last autumn.

Speaking at a Great Britain press conference on Tuesday, Bennett said: “We’ve got a world class pack and backs as well, George Williams’ performances last year against New Zealand were outstanding.

“We needed to see that and he did that for us. When he’s at his best – he’s as good as anyone who plays the game.

“He has a wonderful skill-set and a real understanding of the game.

“Gareth Widdop is there as well and Jonny Lomax never fails to amaze me. He can play in so many positions now, he’s a real footballer.

“There are a lot of good backs coming through and we need to keep building. We need to make sure our backs are as strong as our forwards.”

Bennett also heaped praise on Williams’ former Wigan team-mates John Bateman and Ryan Sutton, who are tipped to be in the Great Britain squad later this year.

He added: “There isn’t one England player that wouldn’t turn up in the NRL competition.

“They just don’t get the credit they deserve but if we can start winning more games at Test level, they’ll start to be recognised even more.

“John Bateman is getting good reviews from everyone who has seen him and Ryan Sutton as well.”

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