SAM Burgess confirmed George Williams is facing up to a month on the sidelines for Warrington Wolves.

The England captain was missing from the side that ran out 36-10 winners over Hull FC on Friday evening to record their first victory of the new season having sustained an ankle injury.

Burgess confirmed Williams suffered the knock during last weekend’s defeat to Catalans Dragons and even though he managed to complete the game, the Wire boss said there was “no point” in risking further damage.

Homegrown scrum-half Leon Hayes came into the side in Williams’ place and formed part of a right edge made up entirely of academy graduates alongside Adam Holroyd, Connor Wrench and Josh Thewlis.

It was only Hayes’ fourth Super League game, but Burgess was delighted with what he showed.

“Let’s talk about some positives – I thought Leon Hayes was great. He controlled the game, kicked well and stayed calm,” he said.

“Our right edge were all Warrington-grown players and it’s great for the town, so there’s some really positive things in there.

“I was really pleased with a lot of areas considering the circumstances.”

On Williams’ injury, he added: “He’s got an ankle sprain. These things can sometimes take three or four weeks but he’s moving well.

“There’s no point risking him at this time of year – Leon’s been training really well and I thought he was great tonight.

“He picked it up early in the game last week.”