NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons remain confident of keeping Gareth Widdop at the club despite reports that he is set to join Super League in 2018.
The Halifax-born England half-back is out of contract at the end of this season and has recently been linked with a return to his homeland.
However, St George Illawarra's director or rugby Ian Millward says a new contract offer has been made to the 27-year-old and that the Dragons want their captain to stay put.
He told sportinglife.com: “At this point in time, we’ve made him an offer to stay. We’re only in very early discussions.
“We’d like to keep Gareth at our club.”
Millward, a winner of Super League during his time as head coach of St Helens, added: “You have to remember we’re working with a salary cap and have got to work within those limitations and parameters.
“We’re looking forward to Gareth continuing his good form from last week (St George beat the heavily-touted Penrith 42-10) and I’m sure both parties want to get a healthy result out of it (the contract discussion).”
Millward said no decision was imminent either.
“We haven’t put a time frame on it – we want dialogue to keep progressing,” he said.
Widdop’s signature is sure to be much sought after should he turn down the offer currently on the table in Australia.
Leeds Rhinos, who have struggled since losing a host of senior players at the end of their Treble-winning 2015 season, are among the clubs to have been linked with Widdop, who is yet to play in Super League.
Prior to joining St George Illawarra in 2014, he played for their NRL rivals Melbourne Storm.
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