I’m certain George will battle back

IT’S obviously shocking news what happened to George Lawler this week.

Castleford announced on Thursday their forward (above) had suffered a seizure during the night and been admitted to hospital where they discovered a bleed on the brain.

Thankfully, they say George was awake and feeling well afterwards.

He’s staying in hospital to undergo more tests this weekend and everyone in the rugby league world will be wishing him the best in his recovery.

George is a great guy. He’s a real players’ player and a quiet kid who I first got to know when I was over at Hull KR.

He’d just joined as a late starter from the amateur game but quickly struck me as a very unassuming, modest young professional.

But George has the heart of a lion. From my time at Hull KR, he was one of the players who stood out for me. It was through his determination and his will to be the best player he can be.

He’s prepared to graft, do the unglamorous stuff and not be bothered about getting any outside credit.

Every team needs players like George Lawler; they’re the glue that hold sides together.

He was picked for England Knights a few years ago. He’s got all the qualities you need to be a full international. He’s just unfortunate that England have people like Victor Radley and Morgan Knowles playing that same sort of role.

But he’s a quality Super League player. I wish him well and hope he comes out of all this OK.

Castleford, meanwhile, have been struggling this season, losing all six of their league games going into this round.

But you can put them, Hull and London in the same group. It is will be a struggle for their fans all year; wins will be few and far between.