George Williams: England captain to miss first two Tonga Tests after ban appeal is rejected

Williams will miss England’s Tests against Tonga at St Helens on October 22 and Huddersfield on October 28, but he will be able to return for the third and final match at Headingley on November 4.

England will be without captain George Williams for their first two Tests against Tonga after an appeal against the extension of his ban was rejected by the Rugby Football League.

Williams’ original one-match suspension for a shoulder charge during Warrington’s Betfred Super League play-off defeat to St Helens was doubled due to what was described by the RFL as a “frivolous” appeal.

That led to a new appeal from Williams, but that was also rejected after a new three-person operational rules tribunal was convened.

“The penalty stands, meaning Williams will be ineligible for the first two Tests of England’s three-match series against Tonga,” an RFL statement said.

Williams succeeded former Wigan teammate Sam Tomkins as England captain after last year’s Rugby League World Cup and led the team for the first time in the 64-0 win over France in April.

The ruling means Williams will miss the games at St Helens on October 22 and Huddersfield on October 28, but can return for the third and final match at Headingley on November 4.

Farrell returns to the England squad

Liam Farrell has been named in the England squad for the upcoming three-Test series against Tonga for the first time since 2021.

The Wigan Warriors captain, who missed last year’s Rugby League World Cup with a knee injury, is one of four players from the newly crowned Super League champions to be included in England coach Shaun Wane’s 24-man line-up.

I am very pleased with the 24 players coming to camp as we look to take on Tonga in this three-match series,” Wane said. “All the players involved have impressed during their respective Super League and NRL campaigns me and are worthy of representing their country in this historic series.”

Farrell will be joined by Wigan clubmates Tyler Dupree, Harry Smith and loanee Toby King for the series, which kicks off at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday. Catalans Dragons winger Tom Johnstone and St Helens fullback Jack Welsby, both Man of Steel nominees, are also included.

In addition, there is room for Leigh Leopards striker Robbie Mulhern after an impressive campaign with the Betfred Challenge Cup winners. NRL quintet Dom Young, John Bateman, Tom Burgess, Victor Radley and Elliott Whitehead are also part of Wane’s squad for the series.

England vs Tonga squads

England: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Wests Tigers), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark, Ben Currie (both Warrington Wolves), Tyler Dupree, Liam Farrell (both Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants) , Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Toby King (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees (both St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Robbie Mulhern ( Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), George Williams (Warrington) Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights).

Tonga: Latu Fainu (Manly Sea Eagles), Addin Fonua-Blake (New Zealand Warriors), Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans), Tyson Frizell (Newcastle Knights), Siliva Havili (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell (both St Helens ), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm), Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Tolutau Koula (Manly Sea Eagles), Tui Lolohea (Huddersfield Giants), Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles), Will Penisini (Parramatta Eels), Hame Sele (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Mosese Suli (St George Illawarra Dragons), Tevita Tatola, Dion Teaupa (both South Sydney Rabbitohs), Starford Toa (Wests Tigers), Daniel Tupou, Siua Wong (both Sydney Roosters).