England’s George Williams to Miss First Two Tests Against Tonga Due to Ban

England rugby league captain George Williams will not be participating in the first two Tests against Tonga after his appeal against his extended ban was rejected by a new three-person tribunal. The Warrington half-back had initially received a one-game suspension for a shoulder charge during a play-off defeat by St Helens, which was later doubled following a failed appeal. Despite his efforts to have the ban overturned, the 28-year-old will now be withdrawn from the England squad.

It is yet to be determined whether coach Shaun Wane will call up a replacement for Williams, or who will be named as the new captain for the historic three-test series, set to begin in St Helens on Sunday. This series will mark Tonga’s first international rugby league series against England, and they will be the first Pacific Islands nation to tour for a full international series.

Williams received his initial ban following a Grade B shoulder charge in Warrington’s 16-8 defeat by St Helens in the eliminator play-offs. Following his first appeal, which was deemed “frivolous” by the independent Operational Rules Tribunal, the ban was increased to two games. Wane included Williams in the squad for the upcoming matches against Tonga, pending the outcome of his second appeal. However, the three-person On-Field Operational Rules Appeals Tribunal reviewed the case and rejected the appeal, upholding the two-game ban.

While the absence of Williams is undoubtedly a blow for the England team, the focus now shifts to whether Wane will select a replacement and decide on a new captain. The upcoming series against Tonga carries historical significance, and it will be interesting to see how the England team adapts without their regular captain on the field.

In the meantime, rugby league enthusiasts can look forward to this exciting three-test series between England and Tonga, which promises to showcase the physicality and pace of the game. Tonga, as the first Pacific Islands nation to tour for a full international series, will undoubtedly bring their own unique style and challenge England in what is expected to be an intense battle.

For fans eager to stay updated, the BBC’s rugby league correspondent offers insightful analysis and opinion, while the latest scores and headlines can be sent straight to your phone by signing up for newsletters from reputable sources. If you’re new to rugby league, it is a crowd-pleasing and physically demanding sport with minimal stoppages and a fast-paced nature, making it an exhilarating game to watch and be a part of.

Overall, while George Williams’ absence is significant, it sets the stage for an intriguing series against Tonga, where both teams will strive to showcase their skills and claim victory in this highly anticipated rugby league showdown.