THE loose and short tenure of George Williams’ playing career in Canberra came to a dramatic epilogue after a request to return home to England was granted. 

Things got so bad that Williams failed to turn up to club training on Tuesday (May 25) and immediately withdrew from the Raiders’ must-win encounter against Sydney Roosters.

The Raiders in the end said they had little choice, but to agree to his terms and release the Test halfback from the second year of a three-year NRL contract, effective immediately.

“Over the past several weeks, we have supported George and provided him with the best welfare support we could,” Raiders chief executive Don Furner said in Tuesday’s statement, “However, we felt that his position at the club moving forward became untenable.”

But Williams hit back hours later on social media of accusations of splintering the turbulent club further amid his exit coinciding with just one win in its past seven appearances.

The 26-year-old’s management had weeks earlier inquired over leaving on compassionate grounds to reunite with his immediate family after feeling homesick with pregnant partner Charlotte Lewis.

Reports surrounded that Williams had only text the Raiders to request the release, but he called the accusation “false” on social media and denied even signing off on the release.

“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,” Williams said on Twitter.

But the decision to end his time after 31 games was more tough considering the tale that Williams once used to wear coach Ricky Stuart’s No.7 on the back of his Raiders guernsey growing up around Lancashire.

After 178 Super League games, Williams had feared that during the ongoing pandemic he would not be able to fly back home until his contract expired at the end of the 2022 after avenues to bring Williams’ mum and dad to Australia hit multiple roadblocks.

Peter Williams had once quit his job to coach his son to better George’s sporting dream.

The close relationship went as far as the dad getting the job to coach the Wigan academy.

Sam Williams will replace his namesake at halfback, while Jack Wighton and Josh Hodgson return from suspension this week.