Rugby League: Warriors chasing Wigan's George Williams - reports

The Warriors reportedly have their eye on Wigan halfback George Williams. Photo / Getty Images.

The Warriors are reportedly chasing Wigan's George Williams as they continue to search for a long term halfback replacement for Shaun Johnson.

Williams is contracted until the end of 2020 but Australia's Wide World of Sport suggest the Warriors are frontrunners among half a dozen NRL clubs keen on signing him.

The report details how Wigan may consider releasing the 24-year-old who has played 10 tests for England, if a club is prepared to stump up a "juicy transfer fee".

The Warriors are still on the lookout for an experienced No 7 after Johnson was released last November before joining Cronulla on a three-year deal.

Canberra were reportedly keen on signing Williams but are said to be unable to afford the hefty transfer fee.

News of the Warriors interest in Williams comes after the club's trio of rookie halves all made positive impressions in last Friday's trial victory over the Storm in Geelong.

New recruit Adam Keighran started at halfback alongside Warriors junior Chanel Harris-Tavita, with both turning in solid performances before Rotorua product Hayze Perham came on after halftime to score the match-winning try.

All three players are yet to be tested in the NRL but will have another chance to impress coach Stephen Kearney in Saturday's second and final trial against Wests Tigers in Whangarei.

If Williams was to make the move down under to the Warriors, he would join a list of former Wigan players to have joined the Auckland-based NRL outfit.

Inaugural Warriors captain Dean Bell had a long and successful career at Wigan before returning down under for the 1995 season, along with former All Black Frano Botica.

Former Wigan forwards Andy Platt and Dennis Betts were trumpeted as big signings but their performances failed to mirror their large pay packets in the Warriors' early years.

Fans also won't have forgotten former Wigan fullback Sam Tomkins underwhelming stint in New Zealand that saw him released by the Warriors with a year remaining on his contract back in 2015.

Former captain Ryan Hoffman and five-eighth Thomas Leuluai also enjoyed stints with Wigan before joining and returning to the Warriors respectively, while centre Anthony Gelling was also a fan favourite at DW Stadium before making his NRL debut with the Warriors last year.