http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...is-style-of-play/story-fni3g9a3-1227281557022
ST GEORGE Illawarra star Gareth Widdop has revealed the new structures in place at the Dragons havent suited his natural game, and hes keen to revert to his dominant role that worked so well for him last year. Widdop and halves partner Benji Marshall havent exactly lived up their own early expectations.
To be fair, the English and New Zealand internationals havent been allowed to be effective because the Dragons have coughed up too much ball.
But Widdop said if he could play the style which suited him best, it would benefit him and the Red V.
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For myself, I need to get back to doing the little things, get a good kicking game, playing square, getting my hands on the ball and being dominant like when I was at my best last year, Widdop told
The Daily Telegraph.
Thats the key for me. Your combination in the halves is crucial. We need to find that balance of who will take the more dominant role.
I need to get back to what suits me and what helps the team ... it helps the team if I can control it a bit more.
I obviously try to get my hands on the ball, play square and direct the boys around.
I think with the new structures we went into games with, it wasnt working for us a little bit, and I probably took a bit of a back seat.
Weve simplified a few things now. Its only early stages. That second half on the weekend (against Canberra) when we cut out all our silly errors, it allowed us to play a bit more, and it certainly improved.
Benji Marshall says he and Widdop just have to keep working until it clicks.
There have been rumblings Widdop is unhappy and wants out of the Dragons. When asked about those rumours, Widdop said they were just that.
Brett Kimmorley suggested the Dragons should consider switching Josh Dugan and Widdop, which would give them a ball-playing fullback.
Marshall and Widdop now have a licence to roam, unlike last year when they were anchored on one side of the park.
Marshall said he and Widdop had started slow, and it would take time to gel.
(But) he doesnt really want to revert to that dominant role, Marshall said.
With our combination, its my job to organise the plays and shift the ball to him. As the halfback, I control the direction of the side and he attacks off the back of it.
We just try and get an even share of possession, and its not about me getting more ball, or him getting more ball. We dont care. As long as the game goes to plan.
It hasnt been the start we wanted, but there are little signs what we can achieve when we put it together.
Marshall said the Dragons had gone away from their game plan when forced to chase points, and it was vital they began well against Manly on Saturday night.
