St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop will be released from his contract at the end of the 2019 season, as he takes up an opportunity with the Warrington Wolves in the Super League.
Widdop will join the Wolves in 2020, with the Dragons releasing the 29-year-old only on the grounds he returns to St George if he does come back to the NRL.
"I've made a big decision in my career having decided to move back to England next year," Widdop told the club's website.
"It certainly hasn't been the easiest decision but sometimes in life we have aspirations and playing in the Super League has been one of mine for a while now.
"The Dragons have played a big part in my career. I've been here a long time now and to get to where we have with the roster we've got, to leave it all behind especially being the captain will be difficult.
"This situation has been handled in the most professional way possible. I worked really closely with the club who have been great. We worked towards getting the best outcome and I thank the Dragons for that.
"I still have the 2019 season to come. The reason we play this game is to win premierships. We have the squad to win it this year and I'll be doing everything possible to achieve that."
This is hardly a massive surprise, with the signing of Norman this was always on the cards, lets hope he has a Dally M year to finish off with the dragons, much rather he gives notice now than at the end of the year, surely this helps plan the roster for 2020 and gives a season to see if Norman is back on track.
Yeah, good decision by Widdop. There is a wider support for hair fashion and hair care products in Unglund.
That, and since Bruzzydragon condemned all other clubs, it has really jinxed st George. IE.. Jdb. c. Norman.
If he gets to play fullback this year he will light up the comp.
Widdop to FB is only thing that makes sense, even though Norman can play there too.
An Englishman will win the dally m.
Widdop at fb, or J Hodgson.
Not convince on Norman in the halves….
G’day Pedro.
I’ve always rated Norman highly so if he’s clean and anywhere near his best I reckon he’ll be great at 6.
If not at least we have other options and depth.
What’s happening with JDB is he available or has he been suspended by club/NRL?
Cheers
Where would you play Norman then?
I think Widdop to fullback makes sense, at least he can take high bombs on the full
I’ve heard nothing about Jack DB being suspended, and as far as I’m aware he’s in full training with the first grade squad.
The decision by Gareth Widdop is exactly what I predicted to my mates when the news first broke late last year. Warrington are going to get an excellent player in 2020.
Hey CMTD’ how are ya. I keep trying to find out about JDB but most of the guys i know are associated with Souths ! !
Maybe the change of club and pre-season training will bash Norman in the right direction – its the fact that he couldn’t gel with Moses that worries me. One thing that has a common theme is Saints Storm and Broncs have brutal preseasons – lets see how goes i guess as you know i have been wrong before (lol) ..
JDB matter goes for mention early Feb. He will plead not guilty and the matter will be set for hearing later in 2019 ( my guess about June-Aug ).
He should be free to continue playing but I’ve got no doubt there will be immense pressure to stand him down until the matter is heard.
My gut says Saints will fold like deck chairs and sit him out
Making sense as usual. Halfwit
I dare say Saints will take a fair bit of advice from JDB’s legal council before they jump to a decision. He has an uphill slog regardless as time is actually an enemy when you just want to get the outcome sorted. I think the new owners in WIN TV with Bruce (AKA Commissioner) Gordon will tread very carefully.
Dragons are going to be bottom feeders without Widdop, they struggle to get out of the bottom 4
Let’s focus on 2019 B2B19. He is there and they’ll be fine
Yeah good mate.
You weren’t wrong mate you just had an opinion and a constructive one.
Where would you play Lomax?
My pick would be in the centres instead of Lafai.
With the serious allegations I reckon JDB should be stood down until proven not guilty.
Cheers
JDB has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, it’s very serious and if guilty he’s probably going to prison. Given the case is in October IIRC NRL and dragons will be under immense pressure to stand him down.
I’m still shaking my head in disbelief over this one.
I also agree with cmonthedragons, Lomax to centre but with Lafai/Aitken the other and the one that misses out goers into the pool of potential wingers.
Hi daffy … yeh cmtd is right Lomax needs to start in the run on side..
Where did he play his junior RL though?
Not sure, but I think Lomax played junior reps in the centres although whether L or R I don’t know. I’d play Lomax and Lafai in the centres (even though I’ve got no great opinion of Lafai) with Dufty/Aitken/Perera on the wings. I wouldn’t play Aitken in the centres because he has zilch ball skills – between him and Kata at the Warriors they wouldn’t throw 10 passes a season combined. One thing I don’t really know about Lomax is how quick he is – a bit of pace and he’ll be a sensation.
As for JDB, let’s just let justice take it’s course, he’s entitled to a presumption of innocence. Allegations were made against Teo, SKD and Snake (in respect of Snake particularly serious ones) only to be proved to be baseless – just because allegations are made doesn’t mean they’re true.
I had heard Lomax described as the next Gasnier and assumed he was a centre. The other great thing about him, he’s an even better goal kicker than Widdop so we are covered for now for 2020 and in fact he may get the gig this year.