ST GEORGE Illawarra have announced the signing of English international Gareth Widdop on a four-year $2.2 million deal for next season.

Just 24 hours after landing the signature of Canberra Raider Joel Thompson, News Limited can reveal Widdop will walk away from premiers Melbourne at the end of the season.



The move is a master stroke from Dragons chief executive Peter Doust, who earlier this week allowed premiership-winning five-eighth Jamie Soward to sign a four-year deal with Penrith without putting up a fight.



Premiers Melbourne were desperate to retain English international Widdop but the Dragons have blown them out of the water with a deal believed to be worth $550,000-a-season.



The Dragons are also in on-going negotiations with sacked Canberra Raiders star Josh Dugan with a view to having him playing in the Red V this season.

"It's been a tough time to make a decision but it's a new chapter in my life now,'' Widdop said.

"I just feel for my young family in terms of moving forward with them, it's the best move.

"It's going to be a bit of challenge living in Sydney, in a town that's all about rugby league.

"It was a number of things and I'm happy with the decision.''

- with AAP