Whilst I've always had George down as a decent half with an array of 'tricks', short kicks, picking a pass and as a running threat, I genuinely underestimated how good he is/can be when at the top of his game.

Biggest surprise for me though is his work in the defensive line, he's not shy and definitely not a prima donna.

He is the heartbeat of our side and has matured into a very good player. A constant threat with the ball and defensively tough.

He's a privilege to watch. In every game he does 3 or 4 things where you find yourself asking 'how did he do that?' and he is the antidote to the idea there are no 'off the cuff' players any more: he will always play what he sees rather than following a set pattern.

I think George will only be fully appreciated when he delivers your Holy Grail of a Grand Final win. And it could happen.

Him and Dufty together and I will believe it.

WHAT.A.PLAYER

The jinking run through the Saints edge defence and then offload to Ashton was just incredible.
The passes for both of Kings tries were spot on the money, and then there's the drop goal.
Yes - he's special..

If we are going to start a thread with a player's name as the thread title, can we also please include "[iis not injured, just an appreciation thread[/i" in parentheses next to it?

I clicked on it feeling rather apprehensive.

He’s a special player and for me the best in the league. I wouldn’t swap him for anyone else in SL. We are very lucky to have him.

he is a quality player...IF he helps us get back to a GF and IF he helps us win it.... then he enters Legend territory.
He has a great all-round skill set and a great rugby brain. Natural athlete. He isn't the finished article though... still think he can improve, especially his kicking game both long and short.

Lee who?

Yes, two more wins in 2024 and he fades into the distant past as a player.

As much as I fondly look back on years of watching Briers and what he did for us in the Smith era, I think any honest and sensible Warrington fan would realise that Williams is a far better all-round player and the consummate professional. I hope he will be at the heart of the next famous era for the club.

Don’t know what he earns but he is worth twice as much.

Don’t tell Karl though

I don't know what he earns either, but it's assumed by many that he's the highest paid player in Super League, which is how we managed to get him in the first place. That may well be true, but I have no idea. However, there was also a lot of grumblings about dressing room disharmony, which probably wouldn't be helped by wage disparity, and Williams himself was on the receiving end of the "waste of money" shouts from plenty of our fans as well as opposition fans.

Sam Burgess has worked absolute magic at making all that go away!

I think the 'grumblings' rumours were about certain forwards being paid way over their worth, and other forwards demanding similar pay rises. I think the players realise the value of a true superstar and won't argue with Williams or Dufty being on a marquee salary.

I don't reckon Williams will be the highest paid player next season. I have a sneaking suspicion that Tom Burgess will be at Huddersfield, and I'm not really sure that will pay off for them.

Yes I've heard Tom Burgess is going to be the highest paid - poor business from Hudds really. Mind you I suppose he won't be the highest paid now we're going to sign Cleary!!

Williams and Cleary is a good as Edwards and Gregory were at Wigan, but never going to happen.

and they could be nearly as good as Murphy and Gordon

Preferred Dec Patton myself….. Only joking just hope we can keep him fit and healthy because he is becoming the real heartbeat of what this team does.

Speaking of 'fit and healthy', it's interesting to look at the total Super League appearances made by many of Hull KR's key players this season: Peta Hiku 27, Ryan Hall 27, Mikey Lewis 26, Tyrone May 26, Sauaso Sue 26, Kelepi Tanginoa 25, Matt Parcell 25, Jez Litten 25, Dean Hadley 25, Jai Whitbread 25, Elliot Minchella 24, Sam Luckley 23, Niall Evalds 23, James Batchelor 22. I don't know whether you put that down to good luck, good conditioning, or a bit of both, but that consistency of selection has obviously been a big part of their success this year. Hopefully they are all knackered by Friday night!

I'm pretty sure the combo of Field, French and Smith along with the 6 trophies we've won since Williams signed for Warrington have done a decent job in wiping out any 'jealousy'. I understood George's decision to have a fresh start and try something new but the harsh reality is he's won nothing in 3.5 years at Warrington thus far. Maybe that will change in the next couple of weeks - we'll see.

Hearts and minds

As long as it's not Williams and Clary, I think I'll be able to sleep at night.

Yep, you're certainly doing a good job of containing any bitterness.