Warrington Wolves have announced the signing of Gareth Widdop from St George Illawarra Dragons, with the England international set to join the Super League club in 2020.

Stand-off Widdop has signed a three-year contract at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having spent five years with the Dragons and previously featured for Melbourne Storm, winning the NRL Premiership in 2012.

He has captained the Dragons since 2017 and last season boasted an 84 per cent conversion rate.

"With decisions like this there are a lot of things to look into," Widdop told Warrington's official website. "I think Warrington, in terms of the club itself, has got a lot of history, is a great team and is run very well.

"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.

"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. I'm at the stage in my career now when I have that opportunity... to come home and live out a childhood dream.

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

Warrington coach Steve Price previously signed Widdop for the Dragons and chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick says it is difficult to underestimate the significance of the deal.

"This is arguably the biggest signing in the club's history and quite possibly in the history of Super League," he commented. "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."

Once the move has gone through next year, the Dragons will hold first refusal to sign Widdop should he ever seek a return to the NRL.