Huddersfield prepared to make Widdop highest paid player in club’s history

Huddersfield Giants are prepared to make Gareth Widdop the highest paid player in the club’s history as they bid to sign the England star for the 2020 Super League season.

Widdop has committed to current club St George Illawarra Dragons for 2019 but will leave the NRL outfit at the end of next year ahead of a return to England.

The Giants face tough competition from Warrington to land the Halifax-born stand-off, but a potential return to West Yorkshire could be the deciding factor in the bidding war.

It was announced earlier this week that Widdop had provisionally agreed a two-year deal with the Wolves, however Huddersfield could now be his preferred destination as they pull out all the stops for his signature.

It is believed owner Ken Davy is willing to beat any proposed offer to the 29-year-old and is eager to land a big name signing to try attract more fans to the John Smith’s Stadium.

Despite this, Warrington are still considered favourites to sign Widdop with the potential to form a deadly half-back partnership with highly-rated former Canberra star Blake Austin.

Since winning the League Leaders’ Shield in 2013, Huddersfield have struggled to challenge for trophies but long-time owner Davy is hoping this signing will allow them to compete for major honours once again.