GEORGE: DRAGONS DEFEAT HIT HOME
Williams says Wolves need to show teeth against top sides
GEORGE WILLIAMS admits Warrington still need to prove themselves as genuine title contenders after suffering painful deja vu.
The England captain takes his side to Leeds on Friday having let slip their mantle as early Super League leaders.
Warrington had won five on the bounce in all competitions before Saturday’s 32-24 home loss against Catalans.
Their only other defeat had also come versus last season’s beaten Grand Finalists and Sam Burgess’ Wolves side have yet to see off one of the big clubs.
They were top after eight rounds under Daryl Powell last year before a collapse saw them only just scrape into the play-offs.
Stand-off Williams conceded: “That’s the reality. Catalans are a top-four team and we’ve lost twice to them, so that’s an indication of where we’re at. Leeds away doesn’t get any easier. It is always a tough game. I’m sure after watching that (loss against Catalans) Leeds will be quite giddy too.
“But Headingley is probably my favourite away ground. I’m looking forward to it.”
Williams made only his third appearance of the season against Catalans after missing back-to-back games against London and also sitting out earlier wins versus Hull and Castleford.
Warrington fell 18-0 behind after 12 minutes but got back to 18-12 at the break, only to slip further off the pace again.
The ex-Wigan and Canberra ace (right) said: “We probably got what we deserved. We did well to get back into the game. But to give them an 18-point lead, get back in the game and at the start of the second half do the same thing – they scored two quick tries – it was deja-vu with both halves.
“They’re too good a team to do that against. We showed some character to get back in it and at the end I did think we had it. But disappointment is the main thing.”
Williams’ fine solo try just before the hour saw Warrington back to 28-24 but they couldn’t land the final punch.
He said: “I was just happy to get back playing. I’ve had a couple of niggles at the start of the year so it was just good to play again.
“I’m always happy to get over for a try but I’d have taken two points every day.”