'We seriously did inquire' - Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar comments on George Williams speculation

Williams is a free-agent after being released from his contract at NRL side Canberra Raiders.

He is expected to join Warrington Wolves or his former club Wigan Warriors next year, but might be available to another team for the rest of this season.

Agar said Rhinos have registered an interest, but are set to miss out to a club based on the other side of the Pennines.

“I’m really good mates with George’s dad, Pete [and] we did speak to George’s agents," Agar said.

“The homesickness stuff is very real and with a baby on the way it’s fair to say and established that George wants to live back in his own sort of area.

“We seriously did inquire, but the fact he wants to settle back in the north-west - I’m not divulging too many secrets there - we think that pretty much rules us out of signing him long-term."

Agar insisted: “We got the feedback that it’s certainly not the club or anything like that, but he simply wants to be settled in the north-west so I would suggest that would rule us out.

“Things do change but at this stage it’s unrealistic we’re going to be in the running.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.