Widdop heading to England

Dragons skipper to leave with two years left on contract

RUGBY LEAGUE: St George Illawarra skipper Gareth Widdop will quit the club at the end of the coming season after agreeing to move back to England.

The English international will walk away from the final two years of his contract to join Warrington Wolves in 2020.

St George Illawarra officials are expected to announce the move as early as today, with Widdop to take a pay cut to return to England.

Dragons officials were stunned when Widdop requested an early end to his contract – worth about $1.8 million over the two years.

The two parties have been in contact since before Christmas.

While Widdop, who emigrated to Australia as a teenager and has played 24 Tests for England, reaffirmed his commitment to the club for this year, he made it clear he wanted out, having harbouring a long-term desire to play in the English Super League while still at the height of his career.

News Corp has learnt St George Illawarra will retain first rights on Widdop’s services should the 29-year-old opt to return to Australia.

“There’s no secret I have aspirations of going over to the UK and playing,” Widdop said in November.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I have a good relationship with the club and so when the time is right we’ll work together.”

Wigan, Leeds, Huddersfield and St Helens all tried to sign Widdop, but former coach Steve Price secured Widdop’s signature for a second time.

Price signed Widdop from Melbourne to the Dragons in 2014, but the partnership was short-lived as Price was axed midway through Widdop’s first season.

Price subsequently took over at Warrington and led them to the grand final in his first season last year.

Widdop should form a halves combination with former Raider Blake Austin, who joined Warrington this year.

The Dragons have already planned for life post-Widdop, having signed Corey Norman.

Norman’s arrival is expected to shift Widdop to fullback for the first time on a regular basis in the NRL.

Widdop’s departure will also keep the door ajar for local product Matt Dufty, one of only five players to take part in all Dragons’ 26 games last year, to remain at the club.

Norman’s arrival and Widdop’s switch to fullback mean the off-contract Dufty is set to have a reduced role this year.

Widdop has played 185 NRL games since making his debut for Melbourne in 2010.