George Williams believes mentality shift helped Warrington end wretched run
GEORGE Williams has been experiencing a welcome, if unfamiliar, feeling – preparing for a Warrington game on the back of a win.
And partner Charlotte has seen the benefits as a happy man has been around the house, with interim boss Gary Chambers and short-term coach Martin Gleeson making a huge impact.
The Wolves ended a wretched run of seven straight league losses by triumphing 18-4 at Hull FC, making sure they stay in the top six after winning their opening eight matches.
That means the mood around both the training ground and Williams’ house has been very different, a much-welcomed change ahead of trying to get a home win against Castleford today.
The England captain said: “It’s just a bit different. It was a rough couple of months for the team and the club, so it was nice to put some smiles on faces.
“As professionals, you go in, train hard and prepare to win. When you’re not doing that, it affects you. You probably take it home, meaning it affects your partner.
“I love winning. I do everything through the week to win, so I’m sure the missus wasn’t happy with me coming home pretty sad after a loss.
“It wasn’t a case of me slamming my door and going straight to my room – I’m not 12! I’m passionate and it’s hard when you lose but you learn about yourself and as a group.
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“And getting a home win today would be big. We owe the fans one – they went through it with us, driving home and away and watching us perform badly.”
Chambers may have replaced sacked Daryl Powell at the helm as Warrington endured their shocking run.
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But it is former England RU coach and RL legend Gleeson who is behind any changes on the pitch.
For the man who is also the club’s head of youth is focused much more on what goes on between the ears.
And both, along with Richard Marshall, have had the desired effect as going to work every day is a brighter experience.
Williams added: “Gary’s just been man-managing people and created a good environment to come to. Smiles are on faces.
“And Martin’s done a great job. Him and Richard are doing most of the coaching – Gary’s getting around everyone and getting some belief back in the group.
“He’s been really good over the last few weeks, saying, ‘Come in with a smile on your face and enjoy what you’re doing.’
“It’s a bit easier to work hard when you’re enjoying it.”
Chambers’ reign will pave the way for Sam Burgess to arrive in October as Warrington’s new permanent coach – and mentality will be everything.
Behaviour must be right, attitude must be right, preparation must be right and the 28-year-old knows after speaking to him from Australia on several occasions.
Memories of playing alongside Burgess also help as Williams told SunSport: “Sam’s really keen and has spoken to most of the players. He’s red hot and he’s all over it.
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“I can’t wait to work with him. I’ve played alongside him. So I know what he brought as a player. I’m sure he’ll be just as influential as a coach.
“Sam’s a leader. Whatever he said, you believed and you followed. He’ll definitely get buy-in from us, 100 per cent.”