Gareth Widdop is set to make a permanent move back to the NRL
Former Storm and Dragons playmaker Gareth Widdop’s contract with Warrington is about to end Picture: Getty Images
- North Queensland have been offered the chance to sign Gareth Widdop as part of a deal that would allow Jake Clifford to make an immediate switch to Newcastle.
Widdop is on his way back to Australia, having completed his commitments with Warrington in the Super League. It is understood he would be open to making his return a permanent one provided he can find a new club in the NRL.
That’s where the Cowboys fit in. The Knights on Tuesday confirmed that Clifford would join them in 2022, having been denied the opportunity to make an immediate switch to Newcastle for the upcoming season.
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The Cowboys had been exploring their options and coach Todd Payten initially held talks with former teammate Benji Marshall. However, they were unable to strike a deal and Clifford was told that he would be required to stay in Townsville for a further 12 months.
Widdop has now appeared on the club’s radar, although it is understood his price tag is currently an impediment to any deal being struck. That may change should Widdop and his management reduce their demands.
However, it is understood Warrington are resigned to Widdop staying in Australia. The Australian understands a handful of clubs in the NRL have been contacted by Warrington in recent weeks inquiring whether they would be interested in swapping players for Widdop.
It is not believed the Cowboys were among those clubs, but Widdop’s management subsequently reached out to North Queensland to gauge whether they would be interested in the England international.
As part of his release from St George Illawarra at the end of 2019, the Dragons were given first right of refusal on Widdop. However, it is understood they have no issue with him signing elsewhere and will not stand in his way should he choose to return to the NRL.
The Dragons are loaded in the halves. Corey Norman, initially mentioned as a potential swap for Widdop, has another year remaining on his deal while Ben Hunt recently took up his million-dollar option for the 2023 season.
They also have Adam Clune, Junior Amone and Jayden Sullivan under contract. Newcastle, meanwhile, confirmed on Tuesday that Clifford would join them from 2022.
The 22-year-old was viewed as North Queensland’s long-term partner for Michael Morgan in the halves but struggled to find a regular place in the NRL side.
He made it clear in talks with the Cowboys in recent weeks that he would be happy to leave over the off-season. North Queensland blocked his departure but they couldn’t prevent him signing a deal with the Knights for 2022.
Recruitment guru Clint Zammit recently moved from North Queensland to Newcastle and was driving force behind the move to sign Clifford.
“When the opportunity arose to sign Jake, I thought it was a perfect fit for both parties,” Zammit said.
“We believe he will grow alongside the likes of Mitchell Pearce, both as a player and as a person.
“He’s a good young talent from a good family and will be a great addition to both our playing group and the Knights for a long time.”
Rather than becoming the long-term partner for Morgan, he will now fulfil that role for Pearce. The Knights are expected to open talks with Pearce over a contract extension next week and the expectation is that he will sign for a further two seasons, taking him through until the end of 2023.
And the Wests Tigers have extended the contract of young forward Shawn Blore until the end of 2023. Blore made a big impression after making his first grade debut with the Tigers last season.
Brent Read
Senior Sports Writer
Brent Read is one of rugby league's agenda setters but is also among the nation's most well-known golf writers. He also covers Olympic sports, writing with authority, wit and enthusiasm. Brent began his career ...
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