Gareth Widdop

Door now open for former Dragon Gareth Widdop to join NRL rivals

A long-awaited return to Australia for a veteran Englishman has taken a major step forward.

Published by
Mitch Keating

The Dragons have reportedly given their blessing for former playmaker Gareth Widdop to return to the NRL, with the Raiders and Warriors showing interest in the Englishman.

Widdop departed Kogarah in 2019 in order to return home to UK following struggles with homesickness, with the condition that he would not be able to return down under following his move to Warrington.

According to NRL.com, that stipulation is now lifted, with the 32-year-old free to link up with an Australian side as he looks to move back with his family - who are currently residing in Wollongong.

Warrington are understood to be happy to let go of their veteran half almost immediately, should they be able to land recently-released Raiders playmaker George Williams this season.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 27: George Williams of the Raiders in action during the round three NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Warriors at GIO Stadium on March 27, 2021, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

The Raiders managed to settle for a release that will see Williams return to England as he too was found to be unsettled and missing home.

Williams' departure has opened up a list spot for Canberra, who have seen Widdop as a suitable asset that could steer their form back in the right direction.

Widdop played a total of 196 NRL games between his stints with the Storm and Dragons, and has represented England on 29 occasions.

The Raiders and Warriors aren't the only clubs that have looked abroad for playmaking targets this year, with the Wests Tigers locking up Jackson Hastings and Oliver Gildart from next season.

HULL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Oliver Gildart of England applauds fans after the International Series match between England and New Zealand at KCOM Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Hull, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The Wigan Warriors pair will venture to Concord at season's end, with Hastings linked to an earlier move should the Greater Manchester club be able to land Williams' signature.

Williams is doubted to return to Wigan - the club that started his career - as Warrington look to have won the race for his services, per SARL.

Published by
Mitch Keating