The Dolphins have reportedly missed out on signing England captain George Williams for 2026 after negotiations with Warrington broke down over a transfer fee.
Williams had been linked with a move to the NRL's 17th franchise, to partner with rising halfback Isaiya Katoa from 2026 onward.
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The 30-year-old has been a standout for Warrington this season and remains under contract there until the end of 2026.
Despite strong interest, the Super League club put a stop to negotiations over his early release, putting the transfer on ice for now.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf led the recruitment push, believing Williams' experience would perfectly complement Katoa's growing playmaking game.
Williams' previous NRL stint with Canberra ended early in 2021 after he became homesick and requested a release.
He later revealed that his relationship with Ricky Stuart had soured during those exit discussions.
Still, Williams has expressed a clear desire to return to Australia for another crack at the NRL.
With the Perth Bears entering the competition in 2027, the Dolphins may be priced out, if interest in the Great Britain international continues to grow.
Williams confirmed that he and Warrington have handled the situation professionally.
"Everything has been above board and transparent, so there’s no bad blood whatever happens," he said last week.
The English star is tipped to show out in this year's Ashes series against the Kangaroos.
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While the 2026 move is off, the Dolphins are unlikely to exit the race for his services in 2027, given that incumbent five-eighth Kodi Nikorima's contract expires at the end of 2026.
However, a deal with Williams now looks at least 18-months away.