Canberra halfback George Williams was given a shock immediate release by the Raiders on Tuesday night.
The English number seven requested to be released at the end of the season due to homesickness, but the club decided to pull the trigger early.
The Raiders decided to cut ties with the 26-year-old after he informed the club’s welfare manager that his mental wellbeing was going to cause him to miss training on Tuesday and this weekend's clash against the Roosters.
Williams explained how the release came about on Twitter: “I asked for a release weeks ago for the end of the season … Not once did I ask for an immediate release but Instead of supporting me the club kicked me out the door. Plus, I’ve not even signed the release.”
FALSE. I text to explain my mental well-being to the welfare manager? I asked for a release weeks ago for the end of the season... Not once did I ask for a immediate release but Instead of supporting me the club kicked me out the door.
— George Williams (@George7Williams) May 25, 2021
Plus I’ve not even signed the release 🤔 https://t.co/CeXBFkXWsA
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes the club released Williams early to afford them more time to land a new halfback for next season.
“When it dropped in yesterday, I thought this has moved much quicker than what I expected,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“How I understand it is management of George Williams approaching the Raiders about a release on Monday night.
“That release was always again, for the rest of the year.
“But the Raiders, looking at the current halfback scenario, and all of the off-contract halfbacks in the game, it’s a dwindling list
“They knew there’s a World Cup at the end of this year, if they were to wait until the end of this year when George is over with England playing in the World Cup.
“We’ve seen it before, players simply don’t return to Australia
“The Raiders weren’t willing to roll that dice, and now can operate with about a million dollars to try and find their replacement for 2022.”
Canberra legend Gary Belcher expressed his disappointment at Williams’ departure from the club.
“First up, I’m filthy that George Williams wants out of his contract,” Belcher said on Sportsday.
“I understand, yes, you’re homesick George, but you’ve a contract though.
“You’re going to leave your club in the lurch.
“This is not just because it’s the Raiders, I’m just so uncomfortable with players who want to get out of their contract.
“If you’re going to leave and leave your club in the lurch, then you should just leave now.”
Williams’ next move looks likely to be with Warrington or Wigan in the UK Super League.