George Williams has been confirmed as England’s captain for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, set to begin next month in Australia. The Warrington Wolves skipper, who recently returned from a serious neck injury, is expected to lead the national team through the tournament after demonstrating strong form in his club’s ongoing play-off campaign.

Williams, 31, missed four months of the season due to the injury, which initially raised concerns about whether he would be able to return at all. However, his early comeback and renewed intensity on the field have impressed head coach Brian McDermott, who praised the player’s leadership qualities and maturity both on and off the pitch.

“George has been great to speak to,” McDermott said, reflecting on his growing relationship with Williams. “He’s keen as anything... When he broke into first grade, we all said, ‘Who the hell is this guy?’ because he went and got the game and chased it. He’s got stronger and wiser, and his leadership has been really good.” McDermott added that Williams will continue as captain throughout the World Cup.

Williams is currently preparing to lead Warrington in their play-off eliminator against Hull Kingston Rovers, with the team targeting a spot at Old Trafford. Following the tournament, Williams is set to depart Warrington for a second stint in the National Rugby League (NRL), joining the Dolphins.

While Williams’s position as captain and part of the halves pairing appears secure, McDermott has yet to finalize the remaining squad members for key playmaking roles. Several players, including Jake Connor, Harry Smith, and Mikey Lewis, remain contenders to secure a starting spot or act as cover in the halves. The coach is also considering NRL players Jamie Humphreys and Hugo Savala to fill out the squad.

Humphreys, currently with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, recently declared himself eligible for England after spending much of his childhood in the northern hemisphere and developing through the London Broncos’ youth system. McDermott acknowledged the challenge of balancing the squad composition, noting the trade-offs involved in deciding how many playmakers to include.

“We need to take another half,” McDermott said. “But if we take two halves as cover, it has an impact on how many covers we have on outside-backs, what cover we have for back-rowers and other spine members as well.” He added that final selection decisions will be influenced by player form and versatility, particularly as the play-offs progress and pressure mounts.

The final 23-man squad will be announced closer to the tournament’s start, with McDermott emphasizing the importance of players being able to perform under high-stakes conditions.