George Williams relishing Warrington Wolves' semi-final

Failing to do so will end their season, while two more victories will write this group of players into the history of the club and the town.

George Williams has been here plenty of times during his time at Wigan Warriors so as he stands on the brink of his first Super League semi-final appearance as a Warrington player, he believes the squad he leads is as well-equipped as can be.

And having fought back from a desperate-looking situation to save their season at the expense of St Helens last time out, Williams’ belief in that thought process has been reinforced.

“It’s exciting and as players, these are the games you want to be a part of,” he said.

“If you can’t get up for these games, you’re doing the wrong thing.

“You’re battling through pain and niggles, but there’s a bigger prize on offer that’s worth the sacrifice.

“You don’t really care how it happens – obviously, we’re always chasing a performance but now, we just have to win.

“We saw last week that our performance wasn’t ideal and we had a bit of adversity. It was a great advert for the game but as a Warrington player, it was a bit too close for comfort.

“I’m glad we got through that bit of adversity and we have to take the positives from it.

“In previous years, we’d have folded at 16-4 down and I know that for sure.

“There’s some resilience in the group – we’ve got a bigger purpose and we’re driving for something special.

“I think we have progressed. At Wembley for example, we chased it too early when we were still in the game.

“At the weekend, Saints scored and I said to the boys that there were still 55 minutes left, which is a long, long time.

“We just needed to get back into the cycle and that’s what we did. We scored before half time and it was game on again.”

Williams is mobbed by jubilant teammates following his winning drop goal (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire) Of course, it was a telling swipe of the England captain’s right boot that booked their trip to Hull KR on Friday, with his drop goal in golden point extra time sealing a dramatic eliminator victory over Saints.

It is a moment that has been played over and over by Warrington fans since Saturday night – but how many times has the man himself watched it?

“I have watched it back a few times – I’d be lying if I said any different,” he said.

“I reckon I’ve watched it 10 times, which I don’t think is too bad.

“When we were up by six but weren’t having great territory, I was thinking that if we got down there and I got the chance, I’d try the drop goal.

“Then obviously Saints scored so when it went to golden point, I knew I’d have to have a crack at one.

“That’s why I practice them at training – I don’t do too many but I just get used to knocking them over with our kicking coach (Jason Strange).

“Thankfully, this one went over.”

(Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire) The fact it did has set both him and Warrington up for an intriguing battle – both individually and collectively – in East Hull.

Over 27 regular rounds, there was precious little to separate Rovers and The Wire and all three games between them were well-contested, with Warrington coming out on top in two of them but the Robins winning their last meeting in August.

Much is also being made of the individual battle between Williams and his England teammate Mikey Lewis, who is alongside his Wire colleague Matt Dufty on the shortlist for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Award.

“Mikey’s played really well and if I’m speaking honestly, I think he probably deserves the Man of Steel,” Williams said.

“I love playing against the best players and no doubt he’ll say the same thing.

“I’ve played with Mikey for England so I know what he’s all about so it’s one to look forward to, but the team comes before me.

Mikey Lewis and George Williams in action for England against France earlier this year (Image: SWPix.com) “It's a good place to play rugby league. We’ll get some boos but that’s what it’s all about.

“I love the big stage and playing in these games. When you win them, it’s even more special.

“They’re a really good team and Willie Peters has done a great job with them. They’re structured and stick to their game plan really well.

“They’ve been one of the most consistent teams and they haven’t been beaten many times at home, so we’re under no illusions about it.”