The new deal will see Williams become Wigan’s second marquee player alongside Sam Tomkins.
A product of the Wigan Academy, Williams has been at the Club for ten years making his debut in 2013 and breaking into the team in 2014 when he featured in 23 games. In 2015 Williams was handed the number six shirt and he went on to make the stand-off position his own winning the Super League Young Player of the Year award before being capped by England.
Williams, 22, played in both the 2016 Grand Final win over Warrington and the recent 2017 World Club Challenge victory and a series of fine performances for the Cherry and Whites has seen him become one of the genuine superstars of the game.
Wigan Chairman, Ian Lenagan, said:
“The Wigan Club has historically been built on Wigan-born players and this long-term development strategy is something we have improved greatly during ten years of Lenagan family ownership. There is no better example of this than George who, having been with the Club for ten years, has developed during that time to become one of the best players in Super League.
“The recently agreed additional changes to the current Salary Cap rules were designed specifically to help keep elite talent in Super League and the Wigan Club will use the option of a second-marquee player with this new contract.
“There has been very strong interest both from within Super League and the NRL and the Wigan Club has turned down a number of sizeable transfer fees in order to keep George here. We realise that George is a big part of our future moving further and look forward to seeing him in a Wigan shirt for many years to come.”
Head Coach, Shaun Wane, said:
“George is one of the best up and coming players in the sport and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to get this one over the line. It’s a huge shot in the arm, not only for Wigan Rugby League club but also for Super League.
“Full credit must go to our Chairman, Ian Lenagan and Rugby Director, Kris Radlinski, who have worked tirelessly to agree this deal with George. I’m excited about working with George over the next few years, this is a great day for the Wigan Club.”
George Williams said:
“I’m delighted to agree this new contract with my hometown Club. There has been a lot of speculation and interest and to be honest it’s been quite overwhelming at times but all I ever wanted to do was play for Wigan and my heart is here at this Club.
“I’ve been here since I was 12-years-old and this Club is like a family to me. I’m just looking forward to staying here now, reaching my potential and winning as many trophies as possible.”
Wigan Warriors broke the news live on their Facebook earlier today. Fans tuned in to watch Williams sign his new contract, and talk about the decision he had to make.
The new contract will run until 2021 and similarly to the contract of John Bateman, Williams will be able to leave the Wigan Club at the end of 2020 should a pre-defined substantial transfer fee be met.
