England captain George Williams going back in time for Samoa glory search
GEORGE Williams is ready to go back to school to help England to glory – with the support of his ‘never that good’ team-mate.
The national skipper may line up alongside Wigan’s Liam Marshall in Sunday’s first Test against Samoa after the latter capped a stunning season – in which he scored 35 tries in 33 games – with a call-up.
But hopefully things will be a little different in Shaun Wane’s side than when they knocked around together at Standish High School.
Warrington star Williams recalled: “I did go to school with Liam, I know he looks older than me!
“He was actually in the year below and at dinner time, we’d play together – rugby, football – and we had a similar group of friends.
“But I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me saying it, Marshy was never that good really.
“He was really quiet and little at school too – but once he gets settled, he’s a singer and a joker.
“He’s a great character. With it being his first time in England camp, he might be a bit shy but after a few days he’ll be himself.
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“Liam was obviously a late bloomer and he’s having a great career at Wigan. 100 per cent, he’s the epitome of hard work over talent.
“He went out on loan, Wigan released him, he’s had the full works but look where he is now. I’m really happy for Marshy.
“I’ve no tales about him from school. I’m sure he has about me!”
Schooldays aside, Williams, Marshall and England have serious business – avenging the World Cup semi-final loss to Samoa that is still vivid in the memory.
Two years on, however, stand-off Williams believes the side is better ahead of 2025’s Ashes tour to Australia, adding: “Falling short in that semi-final was devastating but we’ve been building.
“We beat Tonga 3-0 last year and we’re looking to go 2-0 this year, there’s no question about that. This is another stepping stone in our progression.
“Doing that, making it 5-0 against them, is a real message. I watched Tonga v Australia and it was a close game, so we’re under no illusions – we’re not far away from where we need to be.
“But Shaun’s a tough taskmaster, he’s always chasing perfection but that’s what we need. He’s been on me since I was 15-years-old, so he can probably go a bit harder at me than others.”