St Helens aiming to “do a job” on George Williams
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
St Helens coach Justin Holbrook says his side needs to keep Wigan half-back George Williams quiet if they want to come away with the win on Friday.
Williams, 24, has been in fine form for the Warriors in recent weeks, helping guide Adrian Lam’s outfit to five wins on the spin.
The England international’s move to Canberra for 2020 was finally confirmed earlier this week, with Salford’s Jackson Hastings coming in to replace him on a marquee contract.
And Holbrook insists his team have got to close down Williams quickly in Friday’s non-televised derby match at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
He said: “He’s been playing terrific and he’s such an influential player for Wigan.
“I’m not sure if he can play any better. He’s been playing really well lately and we’ve got to do a job on him.
“Wigan are playing with a little bit more confidence now, moving the ball a bit more and their key players are playing well too.
“George Williams, Zak Hardaker and Sam Powell are really hitting their straps at the right time.”
Sky Sports will not broadcast the St Helens-Wigan derby on Friday night – the first time it has not been televised in 24 years.
They will instead screen Leeds against Hull KR as the pair fight for Super League survival.
Holbrook added: “If there was two rounds to go then I’d probably agree with it.
“And it is back to the old days where you’ve got to come to the stadium to watch the game, so for the players hopefully it sells out.
“But not being on Sky – I can’t imagine football not showing Man City versus Man United over Burnley and Cardiff with seven games still to go.
“It is disappointing for the game but gives people more reason to come. That’s what we’ll focus on as a playing group, it being a great atmosphere here.”
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