GARETH Widdop has thanked Warrington Wolves for giving him the chance to realise his childhood dream of playing in Super League.

Halifax-born Widdop, who moved to Australia when he was 16, has signed a three-year contract to join The Wire from St George Illawarra Dragons – with the contract kicking in from the 2020 season onwards.

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The half-back expressed a desire to return to England before the end of his Dragons contract in 2021, which put Super League clubs on alert.

However, The Wire have won the race for his signature and Widdop says he cannot wait to get started.

“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,” he said.

“I’m at the stage in my career now when I have that opportunity.

“Simon (Moran), Karl (Fitzpatrick) and Steve (Price) have given me that opportunity to come home and live out a childhood dream.

“I’m really excited for that. It’s a long way off yet but it’s something I’m looking forward to.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of Warrington fans and the fans of Super League in general. The crowd gets behind you and I’m excited for that.

“Every time I’ve been home and played for England, the crowd is certainly behind you and I’ve witnessed what Warrington fans are like first hand having played here a couple of years ago.

“I’m now looking forward to playing on the right side of it.”

The 29-year-old has an NRL Premiership under his belt after winning a Grand Final with Melbourne Storm in 2012.

He also won the Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year prize for the 2017 season after a stellar campaign with the Dragons before helping England to the Rugby League World Cup final in the same year.

At least four other Super League clubs were thought to have made serious offers for his services and Widdop, who is equally adept at full-back, outlined why he chose The Wire “With decisions like this there are a lot of things to look into,” he said.

“I think Warrington, in terms of the club itself, has got a lot of history, is a great team and is run very well.

“I have a lot of mates in the team and it’s been a top club for a number of years.

“It’s a club I want to be a part of and win some silverware with.

“With my experience of playing in NRL, and having been lucky enough to represent my country, I am hoping I can draw from my leadership and bring that to Warrington.

“It’s a good team with some great players in the squad already.

“Playing in the halves, it’s a key position and hopefully I can do my part for the team whatever that might be.”