ENGLAND international Gareth Widdop says he will realise a childhood dream when he joins Warrington in 2020.

The 29-year-old Halifax-born goal-kicking full-back or stand-off signed a three-year deal with the Wolves after his NRL club St George Illawarra agreed to release him from his contract at the end of the 2019 season on compassionate grounds.

The Dragons, who say their captain cited a desire to play in Super League and to be closer to his grandparents, have released him on condition that, if he were to return to the NRL, then it would be to the Dragons.

Widdop, who grew up supporting Bradford Bulls, said: "It certainly hasn't been the easiest decision but sometimes in life we have aspirations and playing in the Super League has been one of mine for a while now.

"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.

"Warrington have given me the opportunity to come home and live out a childhood dream. I'm really excited for that.

"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. It's a long way off yet but it's something I'm looking forward to."

Widdop, who emigrated with his family at the age of 16, won Premiership honours with Melbourne after working his way up through the club's junior system and has spent the last five seasons with the Dragons.

When he announced his desire to finish his career in England, it sparked a flurry of interest and the big-spending Wolves won the race for his signature.

Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick said: "This is arguably the biggest signing in the club's history and quite possibly in the history of Super League.

"Bringing in this world-class player is a major boost for the sport in this country.

"In 2020 Gareth will be a fantastic addition to an already-formidable squad. This, once again, demonstrates the ambition of Warrington Wolves."

Widdop, who has been an England regular since 2010, will be reunited with Warrington head coach Steve Price, who also signed him for the Dragons in 2014.

"He's a terrific person who sets high standards for himself and is a really good family man," Price said.

"He's matured into an outstanding leader and has played on the biggest stage in the game at international level.

"Gareth's a player with integrity and a high level of experience; he'll complement our team in 2020 and help take us to another level.

"He's a huge signing for the game in England.

"It says how good our competition is when a marquee player in Australia shows the desire to come and play in Super League while holding aspirations to keep playing for his country.

"We see ourselves as a benchmark club in Super League and to be able to sign a player like Gareth is credit to our owner in Simon Moran, chairman Stuart Middleton and all involved."