George Williams column: Captain relishing England versus France Test

This week is one I’ve been looking forward to since it was announced. The chance to go into camp for a game against France as England captain.

It’s not something you ever take for granted, but sometimes you get a reminder of how special it is.

One of the young lads came up to me at Warrington and asked: “What’s it like to be England captain?” And it threw me off a little bit.

I was like – phew – it’s a massive thing. I’m unbelievably proud.

It makes me reflect on where I’ve come from. Everyone’s got different stories, but to be England captain is very special.

I love going into camp. I’m not sure if Charlotte, my partner, will be happy reading that with me being away from the kids for a week or so.

I’ve always enjoyed it but especially now with the environment Shaun Wane has created; it’s said a fair bit but there used to be divides everywhere with Wigan, Leeds, Warrington etc, but now we feel like we’re a together team.

It’s mad, sometimes you don’t like people when you’ve played against them but then you come into England camp and realise they’re a good fella.

It’s the sport we play: it’s physical and people are bit chirpy on the field but they’re nice lads off it.

Harry Newman shocked me – and I said this to him, so it’s no surprise – he plays on the edge, he’s competitive and he has a bit of arrogance, which you need in sport and I love people that back themselves, but he is a really nice lad.

Waney does his homework. There are no idiots and it’s a really good group.