Quote: Cherry_&_White "I think there's some truth in this, but then again Smith (who I rate enormously) has been playing behind a dominant pack for the most part, something which Williams didn't always have when he was here and something he didn't have at Wembley. That said, the last tackle players were awful so both he and Drinkwater need to take responsibility for that.
He's still a very, very productive player, even on the days when he doesn't take the game by the scruff of the neck. I think you're right that we haven't really missed him because French and Smith have been so great as a partnership, but I think Williams is the one player in the division who you could at least make a case for getting into our best team just now at 6 or 7.'"
I've got no argument with that overall. But my memories of him at Wigan are equal parts admiration and frustration. He seemed to make an artform of the Hail Mary kick. It was nearly always his first option, and while the one in every four or five that hit paydirt would look amazing, the rest were often poor ends to sets. I remember a Test match commentator - Ton Rea? - criticising him for this very same thing. I also remember thinking that George had totally disappeared in games where we were having it tough. I certainly don't recall any performances for Wigan that were on a par with those we saw at Canberra, which to me indicates an attitude issue.
Would he get in the current Wigan side? Yes, because I think he'd be aware that he'd need to raise his game, and when he does that, he is genuinely very good. But I still don't really understand the reputation he enjoys.