England star George Williams opens up on testicular cancer mis-diagnosis

13 February 2023 , 16:22

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England rugby league star George Williams has spoken about the impact a cancer mis-diagnosis had early in his career (Image: Getty Images for RLWC)

England rugby league star George Williams has opened up about the impact that a mis-diagnosis for testicular cancer had on his mental health.

Williams was just 19 years old and had just broken into his home-town Wigan Warriors' first team when his life was rocked by the cancer diagnosis.

After having an operation Williams was relieved to discover he had been mis-diagnosed and has gone on to become a star player for the Warrington Wolves and England.

Speaking on the Channel 4 television programme Steph’s Packed Lunch, he said: “I was only 19-years-old so it was obviously a massive shock for me, my friends and family at the time.

“I’d just got into the first team, living my dream and becoming everything I wanted to be and then I got hit with the scare. It definitely did affect me mentally, it was a tough period and I’m just glad that we’re through the other side.

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“Fortunately it wasn’t cancer but I had the operation and I’m happy to talk about it, everyone should get checked out, young or old, and hopefully everything is all good."

George Williams played for England in their Rugby League World Cup semi-final last year (Getty Images)

Williams was with the Warriors between 2013 and 2019, winning the Super League twice and making 176 appearances. After spending the 2020-21 season in Australia with the Canberra Raiders, he returned to England signing for the Wolves.

The star, who has made 15 England appearances, was nominated for the Golden Boot award last season. Williams admits he was initially 'embarrassed' to tell his team-mates about what had happened.

George Williams has made 15 appearances for England (Getty Images)

“At first I was a little bit embarrassed, I thought it was something that was a little bit unheard of at 19-years-old," he added. "When I did open up and I was quite emotional, as well as embarrassed, telling them but the reaction was unbelievable, so much support and love and it made me feel at home straight away.

“We play a tough sport, it is a tough environment, we have the banter and the laughs but when it comes down to it everyone cares for each other.”

Benjamin Goddard