19 October 2023 , 13:03
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Gutted skipper George Williams was “shocked” by his two-game ban but will put his frustrations to one side to lead England in a way he never expected.
The crafty Warrington half-back should be preparing for the proud moment of captaining his nation into battle against Tonga on Saturday. But he misses the opening two games of an historic three-Test home series after copping a one-match suspension for shoulder-charging St Helens’ Jonny Lomax - and then seeing it doubled for a ‘frivolous’ appeal. Williams bid to have the latter overturned on Tuesday night was also rejected so he’ll watch from the sidelines when England face the tourists at Saints and again at Huddersfield next Saturday.
He conceded: “I was shocked. I’ll be honest, I was. I don’t think we’ve had a frivolous charge all year so I was surprised. We thought we had a good case. Representing England is always the best and this is my first series as captain. I’d been really looking forward to it and had been for a long, long time.
"But it is what it is. I’ll still be involved. I’ve got a role around the group. It’ll be different compared to playing the first two but I’ll still be influential in meetings, training and try and get my best across the team in that kind of way.”
Shaun Wane, seeking to right the wrongs of last year's painful World Cup semi-final exit against Samoa, could have omitted Williams completely knowing he won’t be available until the third and final Test at Headingley on November 4. But the England boss has stood by him and the ex-Wigan and Canberra schemer will now take uncapped Hull KR scrum-half Mikey Lewis, 22, under his wing to prepare him to face Tonga. Williams will also offer his insight to Wigan’s Harry Smith who - still only 23 himself - is likely to be the principal half-back.
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Williams has been left gutted by the decision (Getty Images)He said: “They know what they’re doing but obviously I’ve been around a bit longer so I can give them a hand here and there and fill them with confidence. They are here for a reason. That will be one side of being a captain and leader but I so want to get on the pitch and be a leader there, too.
“I’m really keen to get amongst it. We’ve an exciting group here. There’s some new additions and people who have been in camp before so there’s a good balance and we’re looking forward to getting to work against a good Tonga side who will challenge us.”