George Williams has delivered a message of support to international team-mate Mikey Lewis after the Hull KR half-back landed himself in trouble again.
Lewis could be facing another spell on the sidelines after being penalised on his return from a four-match ban for headbutting at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in July.
The 25-year-old was sent to the sin-bin in the closing stages of Tuesday’s rearranged Round 2 clash against Warrington after making dangerous contact with opposition Ewan Irwin while leaping to charge down a kick.
With Lewis already carrying disciplinary points, he is expected to land in hot water once again, with the Rugby Football League’s Match Review Panel due to meet later today (Thursday).
But Warrington and England captain Williams has defended his international team-mate, insisting he would ‘put his arm around’ the maverick playmaker.
It was Williams who stole the show at Sewell Group Craven Park, scoring one try and laying on two more as Warrington claimed a crucial 34-28 victory in the play-off race.
Sam Burgess’ side head into Round 24 sitting third in the table, with Huddersfield Giants up next on Sunday.
Asked about Lewis following his latest sin-bin, Williams said: “I’d just put my arm around him.
“When you speak to Mikey, he is actually a nice, quiet lad. He is not like how he plays.
“I love how he plays, he’s competitive and competes for everything. Sometimes it is just a fine line. At the minute he is getting it wrong, but we all know he is one of the best players in our competition.
“If he is at his best, he is one of the best.
“I’d put my arm around him, but I’m sure he’s doing a load of work on himself. He wouldn’t want that to happen tonight (Tuesday).
“We all know he’s one of the best players in the comp and hopefully he’s back to that soon.”
Williams, 31, marked a sensational early return from neck surgery in Round 23 against York Knights, making his comeback just 12 weeks after his operation and ahead of schedule.
He is now hoping to lead the club to ultimate glory before leaving at the end of the year for a return to the NRL.
“It’s really good to be back,” Williams said.
“I’ve done some tough work with the medical and performance staff. I’m glad I’m back, but it’s about the team now.
“We want to close the gap, and I think we’re doing that slowly.
“We conceded two late tries and if we want to be a champion team, champions teams don’t concede them.
“That keeps us on our toes. We’re positive, but if we’re serious about doing something serious, we need to knock those tries on the head.”