Mar 11th, 2019

Mar 11th, 2019

The Canberra Raiders have signed Wigan and England Test halfback George Williams on a massive three-year deal.

After originally baulking at a huge transfer fee put on the brilliant half last month, the Raiders have fended off an approach by the NZ Warriors to sign Williams this week.

The 24-year-old 10 Test veteran will join Canberra next season.

Williams debuted for Wigan in 2013 and was named the Super League Young Player of the Year in 2015.

He has expressed a desire to play in the NRL for the last couple of seasons and both the Raiders and Warriors have been keen on his services in recent months.

Wigan's George Williams is headed to the NRL's Canberra Raiders. (PA/AAP)

The Raiders are still searching for an established playmaker to replace Blake Austin, while the Warriors are in the market for a No.7 following Shaun Johnson’s move to Cronulla.

Canberra has proved a happy hunting ground for English players in recent seasons, with hooker Josh Hodgson, back-rowers Elliott Whitehead and John Bateman and new signing Ryan Sutton all calling the ACT home.