George Williams has denied asking for an immediate release from Canberra Raiders, and has sensationally accused the club of kicking him out ahead of his return to England.
The Raiders announced on Tuesday morning that Williams had been released from his contract with immediate effect, after weeks of speculation linking him with a return to Super League at the end of the current season.
However, in response to a story posted by Fox League suggesting that a text message from Williams asking for an immediate release was the catalyst for his departure from the club, Williams insisted he never once asked to be let go midway through the season.
He tweeted: "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 (of) the door. Plus I’ve not even signed the release."
The report suggested that Williams texted Canberra officials on Tuesday morning, informing them he would not be attending a regulation training session ahead of this weekend's game against Sydney Roosters.
That apparently led to Raiders CEO Don Furner summoning Williams to the club to grant him an immediate release - but Williams' version of events is markedly different, and casts a dark cloud over his time in the NRL ahead of his return to Super League.
The accusation from Williams that he has been kicked out by Canberra will almost certainly lead to scrutiny in Australia on the Raiders, as Williams himself faces an uncertain summer in what is an important year for the half-back. He is seen by many as a leading contender to play in the halves for England at the World Cup, but is now on the hunt for a club to spend the rest of the season with.
