GEORGE Williams put in an encouraging, try-scoring performance for England as they beat the Combined Nations All-Stars at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The half-back has come under fire for his performances in a Warrington Wolves shirt but played a key role in his country’s 18-4 victory on his club’s home ground.
As well as his first-half try – he supported a break from former Wigan Warriors teammate John Bateman to score – Williams caused the All-Stars problems with his short-range kicking game.
George Williams' first-half try. Picture by SWPix.com
He also came up with an excellent high take from a kick on his own try line under pressure as the All-Stars sought a way back into the game.
Wire fans and head coach Daryl Powell will be hoping Williams takes confidence from his display and brings it into some improved club form.
He was joined in the England starting line-up by Wire teammate Mike Cooper, who was on the field for the first 25 minutes of the game in his first stint.
The prop forward – bound for Wigan Warriors next season – left the field with a calf issue in the first half but was able to return for a second stint after the break.
Mike Cooper in action for England. Pictures by SWPix.com
Two more Wire players were on the field on the opposite side, with Daryl Clark and Peter Mata’utia starting for Ellery Hanley’s All-Stars side.
Clark started at hooker but was replaced in the first half by Leeds’ Kruise Leeming, who played the majority of the rest of the game before Clark returned for the final 13 minutes.
He made a break from dummy-half which almost led to a second All-Stars try for Rhys Martin, but the Leeds man's score was ruled out for a double movement.
Mata’utia played the entire 80 minutes at full-back and had a quiet game with ball in hand.
Peter Mata'utia has a disagreement with Sam Tomkins and helps tackle his club teammate George Williams. Pictures by SWPix.com
Jake Wardle scored England’s first try, marking his international debut by crashing over from skipper Sam Tomkins’ short pass.
Bateman capped an impressive display of his own by touching down shortly after half time before Ken Sio scored the All-Stars’ only try in the final quarter.
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