England ace is not leaving Super League champions Wigan Warriors, insists coach Shaun Wane

GEORGE Williams is going nowhere, insists Wigan boss Shaun Wane.

The England half-back was linked with a big money move to Warrington after Chris Sandow walked out on his contract.

And sources at NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs have distanced themselves from talk linking them with the stand-off for the 2018 season.

Wane also revealed the 22-year-old made no mention of his future when he met with him last week.

He said: “I had a chat with George when he came in last week and we didn’t even mention it, we talked about his end to the season and what he needs to work on.

“He’s very, very happy here and he likes being coached by me and playing alongside the lads we have.

“George is more than happy so it was never even discussed.”

Williams will have a new half-back partner in the returning Thomas Leuluai for 2017 after he moved from New Zealand Warriors.

But captain Sean O’Loughlin, prop Tony Clubb and hooker Michael McIlorum are expected to be back for the start of the season after being plagued by injuries throughout 2016.

Wane, however, is prepared to wait for Sam and Joel Tomkins to recover from the foot and knee problems that ruled them out of Wigan’s Grand Final win and England’s Four Nations campaign.

He added: “Sam saw the specialist last week and the reports were very positive.

“We’re looking towards the start of the season but if it’s two weeks, six weeks or eight weeks in, I’ll just assess it when it comes.

“Joel’s running and could be ready for the start of the season but I’m not in any rush. I want to make sure he’s ready to go.”