The one condition in Gareth Widdop's exit from Dragons

The Dragons have granted Gareth Widdop a release to return home to the UK, but there’s one big condition. The St George Illawarra skipper will quit the NRL at the end of the 2019 season to return to his native England and join Super League side Warrington Wolves. “I’ve made a big decision in my career having decided to move back to England next year,” Widdop told the club’s website. “It certainly hasn’t been the easiest decision but sometimes in life we have aspirations
and playing in the Super League has been one of mine for a while now. “I’ve been away from home for a long time now and, growing up in Halifax, I always had dreams of playing in Super League.” “I’ve been here a long time now and to get to where we have with the roster we’ve got, to leave it all behind especially being the captain will be difficult,” he said. “I still have the 2019 season to come. “Warrington have given me the opportunity to come home and live out a childhood dream,” he said. “I’m really excited for that. It’s a long way off yet but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”

Widdop to walk out on Dragons to join Super League

St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop has opted to walk away from the final two years of his contract at the Dragons so he can return home and play in the UK Super League. The 29-year-old Englishman, who has played 24 Tests for his homeland, will play for the Dragons this year but then link up with the Warrington Wolves from 2020 on a three-year-deal after accepting a serious pay cut to leave the NRL. The Daily Telegraph broke the news late on Tuesday
night and was confirmed by the club on Wednesday morning. Widdop’s deal with the Dragons is believed to worth about $1.8 million, but he told St George Illawarra officials of his desire to return home and compete in the Super League while he is still at the peak of his powers before Christmas — and the two parties have since been in negotiations. In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the club confirmed Widdop has been released under the condition if he were to return to the NRL it would only be to the Dragons.

Two English clubs set to bid for Widdop

St George Illawarra Dragons star Gareth Widdop is at the centre of a bidding war between English clubs despite the playmaker being contracted for the 2019 NRL season. Widdop recently announced that he would play out next season for the Red V before departing for the English Super League.

Despite reports that the Warrington Wolves are set to announce a two-year deal for Widdop, the cashed up Huddersfield Giants are set to make a big play for the Englishman. And behind their billionaire owner Ken Davy, the Giants are confident of landing the 29-year old. Warrington are still considered the frontrunner to sign Widdop for 2020 behind their recently acquired coach and ex-Dragons mentor Steve Price.

Widdop centre of Super League tug of war

A tug of war over St George Illawarra playmaker Gareth Widdop is set to begin in the UK Super League despite the England international committing to the 2019 NRL season.The cashed up Huddersfield Giants are believed to still be interested in Widdop signing for 2020 despite speculation building that Super League rivals Warrington Wolves are set to announce a two-year deal for the Dragons X-factor.Newly re-signed Wolves coach and ex-Dragons mentor Steve Price is believed to be the major
bargaining chip for the Wolves in their bid to lure Widdop to the UK club in 2020.But the Giants - supported by millionaire owner Ken Davy - are still backing themselves in a bidding war over Widdop's signature.Huddersfield coach Simon Woolford last week sounded the Giants' intentions by declaring: "We can pay him what he is worth."We will be making a move at the appropriate time."Widdop last month moved quickly to shut down speculation he had asked for a 2019 release but made no guarantees he would see out the other two years of this Dragons contract.The 29-year-old has made no secret of his desire to return to England after eight NRL seasons.

Widdop delivers final nail for Dragons

Superstar Gareth Widdop is set to deliver the Dragons a crushing Christmas blow by signing a two-year deal with English club Warrington. Widdop is on a long-term deal with the Dragons and will play for the club next season before moving to Wolves in 2020 on a rich contract. The only good news for the Dragons is that Widdop, who turns 30 next March, may return to the NRL and the Big Red V after that.

Born in England but largely raised in Australia, Widdop has had a glittering career in the NRL but wants to make his mark on the English game before retiring. He has family in the UK and wants to play in front of them while he is still at the peak of his game. Widdop’s partnership with fellow Aussie Blake Austin will give Warrington one of the best halfback combinations in Super League. His departure will leave a massive hole in the Dragons’ ranks but is one of the major reasons the club splurged out on Eels playmaker Corey Norman last week.

Widdop makes massive call on Dragons future

Gareth Widdop will stay at St George Illawarra in 2019 but says he still has a desire to one day head to the English Super League. Widdop met with Dragons officials on Wednesday, just hours after reports broke that he had requested a release from the club to head home to England. But the Dragons captain told management he had no plans of leaving Paul McGregor's team before the end of next season. "I want to put to bed that I haven't asked a release for 2019," Widdop said.

"To all the members, fans and the little kids out there, I understand my importance to this team and my position as the captain and leader of this club. "I will be here in 2019 and can't wait for the season to start." Instead, he said he planned to one day return to the country he grew up in later in his career - but no timeline would be set. "There's no secret I have aspirations of going over to the UK and playing," said Widdop, who is contracted with the Dragons for the next three years. "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."