George Williams given green light for long-awaited return in big Warrington boost

Warrington Wolves could see captain George Williams make his long-awaited return from injury as soon as next week, head coach Sam Burgess has confirmed.

Half-back Williams, who will leave Warrington at the end of the season to join the Dolphins over in the NRL, has been sidelined since mid-April.

The 31-year-old suffered a serious and complicated neck injury during a defeat away against Catalans Dragons in France which required surgery prior to an extensive rehabilitation programme.

Initially, there were fears Williams may not play again this season, but those were quickly put to bed and the Wolves’ skipper has been tracking well towards a sooner-than-expected return.

That return will come over the next couple of weeks, but could even arrive next week – when Warrington host York Knights.

‘He’ll train big and then we’ll make a decision, but it will certainly be in the next two or three weeks’

Wigan-born Williams, who also captains England, will not be involved this weekend away against Bradford Bulls.

Speaking to the media in Manchester on Wednesday afternoon, head coach Burgess explained: “George’s checks went to plan.

“He’s back in full training now, so we’re just trying to build him up to playing. Whether that’s next week or the week after, we’ll decide.

“He’ll train big and then we’ll make a decision, but it will certainly be in the next two or three weeks.”

Scoring 40 tries in 113 appearances across all competitions for Wire to date, Williams is set to turn 32 in October, weeks after the Super League Grand Final.

He has made no secret of his desire to go out on a high before returning to Australia for a second stint in the NRL, and will return to the fold with Warrington battling to cement a play-off spot.

Ahead of the trip to Bradford on Saturday evening, they sit fourth on the Super League ladder.

Burgess added: “The positive from having had a number of players injured is they’ve had a chance to have a break and recharge their bodies to compete at the back end of the season.

“George is one of those, and he’s still been bringing a lot of energy to the group.

“You get these players back at some point and they bring a fresh energy. They’ve been watching from afar for a long time, so they’re keen to add something to the group.”