GEORGE WILLIAMS will make his long-awaited return for Warrington Wolves against York Knights on Thursday night.

The halfback has made just ten appearances for Warrington this season after surgery on a serious neck injury suffered in April’s loss to Catalans Dragons.

Following last Saturday’s win at Bradford, head coach Sam Burgess revealed Williams was ahead of schedule in his recovery, with a return to the field likely during a tough ten-day spell that will see Wire take on York, Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants.

And Burgess has since confirmed that his captain will make an appearance in the first game of that busy run.

Williams is one of five changes to the Warrington squad, with second-row Sam Stone (hamstring) and Arron Lindop (knee and ankle) also back in contention after spells on the sidelines.

Luke Thomas and Max Wood are recalled, with Marc Sneyd, Liam Byrne, Josh Smith, Kelepi Tanginoa and Joe Philbin – who pulled up with a lower leg injury at Odsal – all dropping out.

Meanwhile, York boss Mark Applegarth has made two changes following last Friday’s defeat at Leigh Leopards.

Outside back Scott Galeano misses out with a groin injury, with Will Dagger also dropping out of the squad.

Captain Liam Harris is recalled, whilst winger Brad Ward – who has 29 tries in 25 appearances for Newcastle Thunder this season – is called up on loan from their partner club.

SQUADS

Wolves: 1 Cai Taylor-Wray, 2 Josh Thewlis, 3 Toby King, 4 Albert Hopoate, 5 Matty Ashton, 6 George Williams, 9 Danny Walker, 10 James Harrison, 11 Adam Holroyd, 12 Sam Stone, 13 Ben Currie, 14 Sam Powell, 15 Toafofoa Sipley, 17 Jordan Crowther, 18 Ewan Irwin, 19 Leon Hayes, 20 James Bentley, 21 Luke Thomas, 23 Arron Lindop,  25 Max Wood, 35 Lachlan Webster

Ins: 6 George Williams, 12 Sam Stone, 23 Arron Lindop, 21 Luke Thomas, 25 Max Wood
Outs: 7 Marc Sneyd, 16 Liam Byrne, 22 Joe Philbin, 26 Josh Smith, 34 Kelepi Tanginoa

Knights: 1 Toa Mata’afa, 4 Sam Wood, 6 Ata Hingano, 7 Liam Harris, 8 Jack Martin, 9 Paul McShane, 10 Paul Vaughan, 12 Jesse Dee, 13 Jordan Thompson, 14 Denive Balmforth, 15 Xavier Va’a, 16 Justin Sangaré, 20 Oli Field, 21 Kieran Buchanan, 23 Jon Bennison, 26 Nikau Williams, 27 Matty Foster, 36 Brad Ward, 37 Cody Hunter, 46 David Nofoaluma, 48 Tom Inman

Ins: 7 Liam Harris, 36 Brad Ward
Outs: 5 Scott Galeano, 24 Will Dagger

Referee: Tom Grant

STATS

Warrington have won their last 11 home meetings with York.
York’s last away victory against Warrington was 31-7 on 1 February, 1958 (at Wilderspool).

Last ten meetings:
York 30, Warrington 38 (SLR4, 6/3/26)
Warrington 56, York 10 (CCR4, 4/4/09)
Warrington 84, York 1 (CCR5, 27/2/00)
(at Wilderspool)
Ryedale-York 1, Warrington 8 (CCR1, 17/2/91)
(at Huntington Stadium)
York 6, Warrington 34 (SLC, 16/4/86)
(at Wigginton Road)
Warrington 14, York 12 (SLC, 20/10/85)
(at Wilderspool)
Warrington 18, York 9 (SLC, 7/2/82)
(at Wilderspool)
York 14, Warrington 13 (SLC, 22/11/81)
(at Wigginton Road)
York 12, Warrington 20 (Championship, 13/4/80)
(at Wigginton Road)
Warrington 20, York 15 (JPT-R2, 30/9/79)
(at Wilderspool)

Super League summary
Warrington won 1
York won 0
Warrington highest score: 38-30 (A, 2026) (also widest margin)
York highest losing score: 30-38 (H, 2026)

MATTY ASHTON needs four tries to reach 100 (Super League).
– 96 for Warrington Wolves (2020-2026)
(including play-offs & Super League Super 8s)