After circling for the past few months, the Dragons finally got their man on Friday when they secured the 22-year-old Country representative to a one-year deal for the 2014 season.

There is also an option in the Dragons' favour for 2015.

While grateful to the Raiders after joining their system when he was 14, Williams turned down their offer in search of a greater chance of becoming a regular first-grader.

He should get that at the Dragons as they rebuild their roster.

A potential halves combination of Williams and Melbourne Storm pivot Gareth Widdop is an exciting prospect for Dragons fans, to go with the addition of Raiders second-rower Joel Thompson, English prop Mike Cooper and Souths centre Dylan Farrell.

''They've done a lot of recruiting over the past six months, so hopefully we can gel and the club as a whole can move forward,'' Williams said.

''The whole thought of being away from the Raiders is something different for me.

''To be going to a new club is a little bit bizarre, but that's football, and hopefully I've got more of an opportunity down there.''

Williams has played 40 games at the top level since making his debut in 2011, but hasn't been sighted since round seven, with the Raiders going with the halves combination of captain Terry Campese and Country utility Josh McCrone.

The Dragons tried to get Williams before the June 30 deadline so he could play for them this season, but the Raiders declined to release him.

''I was always contracted to the Raiders this year, so going early was never something I was too worried about,'' Williams said.

''It dragged out a little bit longer than what I would've liked, but I was always confident of getting something done.

''It was about finding the right deal that suited us. My aim is to play well, and if the option's taken up, that's good as well.''

By signing Williams, the Dragons will have seven former Raiders players on their books.

Williams and Thompson will join Josh Dugan, Bronx Goodwin, Bronson Harrison, Michael Weyman and Daniel Vidot.

That should assist the Red V as they look to break their much-talked-about curse against the Raiders. The Dragons haven't won in Canberra since 2000 and overall have lost 15 of their past 16 games against the Raiders.

Williams has played a crucial role in that dominance. The Cooma product set up the match-winning try for Reece Robinson last year, along with featuring in the 30-17 victory at Canberra Stadium in round three this season.

''I always look at the hoodoo and enjoy being part of a winning Raiders side,'' Williams said. ''Next year I'll be on the other side and hopefully changing it.''