George Williams attracting interest from New Zealand Warriors – reports

New Zealand Warriors are the frontrunners to sign Wigan star George Williams, according to The Mole.

The England international is contracted to Wigan until the end of 2020, but Australian publication Wide World of Sports claim the Warriors are the favourites among a dozen NRL clubs keen on signing him.

Clubs would need to stump up a significant transfer fee for Williams though, who is under contract for this year and next year.

The Warriors are still searching the market for a half-back after New Zealand international Shaun Johnson left the club to join Cronulla Sharks earlier in the off-season.

There have been a number of players who have played for both of the Warriors over the years, with the likes of Dean Bell, Dennis Betts, Andy Platt, Sam Tomkins, Tommy Leuluai, Ryan Hoffman and Anthony Gelling all playing for the club.

On Monday, League Express reported Canberra Raiders were keen on signing Williams on a three-year deal.

Williams would link up with fellow Englishmen John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead, Ryan Sutton and Josh Hodgson if he was to move to the Raiders.