Gareth Widdop commits to St George Illawarra Dragons for 2019 but wants to finish career in Super League

Gareth Widdop has confirmed that he will remain at St George Illawarra Dragons in 2019 but reiterated his desire to finish his career in Super League.

Reports emerged from Down Under on Tuesday that the England international had requested a release from his contract so he could move back to the UK and play in Super League.

But Widdop, who is contracted to the Dragons until the end of 2021, has confirmed that he has not requested a release from his deal and is fully committed to the club for 2019.

The 29-year-old has reiterated his desire to finish his career in Super League though, and has asked the Dragons to consider a potential return to England in the coming years.

He said: “I want to put to be that I haven’t asked for a release for 2019.

“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.

“There’s no secret that I have aspirations of going over to the UK and playing.

“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.”

There has been no decision by either party regarding any timeframes surrounding a potential release for Widdop.

Dragons’ director of rugby league pathways and list management, Ian Millward, said: “The club has been in discussions with Gareth for a number of weeks concerning his future at the Dragons.

“We understand his circumstances and he understands our, and this is something we plan on working through together.”